CIRCUIT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN for
TRASHIGANG, PEMA GATSHEL, SAMDRUP JONGKHAR (TPS CIRCUIT)
Prepared and Submitted by: Pelden Dorji Tourism Consultant Sustainable Bhutan Solutions
Thimphu, May, 2013.
! TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%1% ! 1 Executive Summary
The Circuit Tourism Development Plan for the Trashigang, Pema Gatshel, and Samdrup Jongkhar circuit (hereafter referred to as TPS circuit) is developed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan in consultation with the respective Dzongkhags and other stakeholders, both public and private. This is an initiative towards decentralizing tourism planning and management at the circuit level, as espoused in the National Tourism Policy, and the Tourism Strategy 2013-2018. The decentralization process is to foster community participation and resource management at the destination level so that tourism can be developed and managed in a sustainable manner. Respective tourism plans for each of these 3 Dzongkhags is deemed redundant given the limited attractions, and the small proportion of visitors in these Dzonkhags. Therefore, in order to enhance the marketability and the brand of the destination, the attractions in the 3 Dzongkhags have been combined to form a circuit. Tourism planning and management will be at the circuit level and will be governed by the Circuit Tourism Committee (CTC), an executive body comprising of public and private member representatives from the 3 Dzongkhags. The Tourism Council of Bhutan will guide the CTC, in implementing the Circuit Tourism Development Plan (CTDP).
Although eastern Bhutan receives a small proportion of annual tourism arrivals, a destination appraisal conducted on the TPS circuit confirms its potential to become a competitive destination and attract visitors in the years to come. This would however require concerted efforts and budget commitment especially from the national level policymakers to implement a series of initiatives to develop the destination. The circuit has been identified as a priority destination to contribute significantly towards spreading tourism benefits to an increasing number of people, and to strengthen the carrying capacity to accommodate the ambitious targets during the 11th FYP period.
Eastern Bhutan only received 3.61% of the total international leisure visitors’ bed nights in 2012. Out the 6 eastern Dzongkhags, the 3 Dzongkhgs in the TPS circuit received only 1.66% of the total bed nights, thus illustrating a substantial disparity in geographical spread. The TPS is not presently a destination that is considered by the bulk of visitors as meriting even a brief stopover. Such a situation arises from a combination of, on one hand, a lack of significant attractions and quality facilities and, on the other, a low level of market awareness of the natural and cultural heritage resources. The circuit needs to realize its tourism potential given its pristine natural resources, an extensive and varied cultural heritage, good roads and the new domestic airports.
Even though it can be said that the opening of the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway and the Merak Sakteng Community based trek in 2009 has resulted in increased arrivals, it has not been at a level expected. This study has shown that visitation indeed is determined
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%2% ! by a host of other reasons and not just having an attractive product in the circuit.
A clear synergy of interventions is needed in the following focus area to turn the TPS circuit into a preferred destination.
• Developing the products the market wants - development of product offerings in the form of attractions and facilities that are targeted at, and meet the needs of, the primary market segments including regional visitors.
• Encouraging investment in tourism - provision of appropriate and added incentives and other inducements to persuade prospective investors and developers to commit resources to tourism attraction and facility development.
• Enhance visitor experience through unique product offerings to attract new and repeat visitors. The product development strategy proposed is intended not to compete with other popular destinations, but rather focus on its USPs. Develop it as a destination ideal for winter visitation (November – December) and make use of its rural and natural setting to attract visitors.
• Deliver Quality - Combine the rural charm of Bhutan with technical excellence in service through tailored programs of human resource development.
• Good Infrastructure and Road Side Amenities - Provide excellent quality services by enhancing air and road accessibility, standard accommodation and through RSAs such as farmhouses, restaurants, cafeterias, signage, information counters with comfort rooms etc.
• Working together on an integrated tourism plan - between TCB, NRED and other tourism enterprises – both within the circuit and with stakeholders at the national as well as international areas, including tour agents in North East India for possibility of extended circuits.
• Getting the word out – by creating a strong brand and implementing a robust marketing and promotional campaign aimed at the primary market segment targets that create greater awareness of, and interest in, the circuit, leading to a deeper market penetration – i.e. more visitors spread over a spread over the year, staying longer and spending more etc.
In consultation with the multi-stakeholders, a vision for the circuit was developed to guide the overall destination development and help implement the CTDP.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%3% !
“ To promote a unique ecotourism experience within a rural context to position it as a “Must See” winter destination in Bhutan”.
The product development, investment, infrastructure and marketing strategies outlined in this report are designed to meet the goal of achieving the transition from being a weak to a superior competitor in respect of visitors interested in experiencing ecotourism products within a rural context.
Assessments on local communities’’ attitude towards tourism illustrate high levels of interest with a majority agreeing that tourism would bring economic benefits. While this is a positive attitude, the high expectations often become the bane of sustainable tourism products as experienced in CBT treks such as Nabji-Korphu and Merak Sakteng. It is strongly recommended that tourism superstructures should be first private sector-led by facilitating entrepreneurs through proper incentives. In absence of any investors, then the cost-sharing model should be followed to still retain ownership at the destination level. As experienced in the CBT treks, 100% Government’s investment in tourism superstructures such as campsites, toilets, kitchens etc. does not create ownership in the communities as no party or individual takes responsibility to maintain the infrastructures.
Tour operators need to be empowered and encouraged to market the TPS circuit. The mindset of the steering stakeholders should be first geared towards increasing visitor arrivals more than the social and environmental aspirations at the moment. Tour operators indicated that a system of industry recognition system through awards by the government (TCB) would encourage them to engage in activities that promote corporate social responsibility.
The CTDP for the TPS circuit should be implemented at the earliest possible given the aspirations of the Tourism Strategy 2013-2018, for the 11t FYP period.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%4% ! 2 Abbreviations and Acronyms
ABSD Accelerating Bhutan's Socio-Economic Development AEC Agriculture Extension Centre APPA Appreciative Planning and Partipatory Action BTTF Bangladesh Tourism and Travel Fair BoB Bank of Bhutan BHU Basic Health Unit BCCI Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry BDBL Bhutan Development Bank Limited BLSS Bhutan Living Standards Survey BNB Bhutan National Bank CBT Community-based Tourism CF Community Forests CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CTDP Circuit Tourism Development Plan DANTAK Border Roads Organisation DoA Department of Agriculture DoFPS Department of Forests and Park Services DMO Destination Management Organisation DYT Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu ECB Election Commission of Bhutan FYP Five Year Plan FDI Foreign Direct Investment GYT Gewog Yargye Tshogchung GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Council GDP Gross Domestic Product GNHC Gross National Happiness Commission GAB Guide Association of Bhutan HAB Hotel Association of Bhutan ICDP Integrated Conservation and Development Program IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development ITB International Travel Berlin JATA Japan Association of Travel Agents KWS Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary LEC Livestock Extension Centre LAP Local Area Plan LG Local Governance MICE Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions MSME Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MoAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Services MoEA Ministry of Economic Affairs
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%5% ! MoHCA Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs MoWHS Ministry of Works and Human Settlement NRED Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division SNV Netherlands Development Organisation NGO Non-Governmental Organisation ORC Out Reach Clinic OTM Outbound Travel Mart PATA Pacific Association of Travel Agents PHCB Population Housing and Census of Bhutan PAAR Poverty Assessment and Analysis Report RNP Road Network Project RSTA Road Safety and Transport Authority RGOB Royal Government of Bhutan RITH Royal Institute of Tourism and Hospitality RMNP Royal Manas National Park RAP Rural Access Project SWS Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary SATTE South Asia Travel and Tourism Fair TCB Tourism Council of Bhutan TPS Trashigang Pema Gatshel Samdrup Jongkhar Circuit TTF Travel and Tourism Fair UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organisation USP Unique Selling Proposition USD United States Dollars UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organisation VAM Vulnerability Analysis Mapping WFP World Food Programme WTM World Travel Mart WWF World Wildlife Fund !
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! TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%6% ! TABLE&OF&CONTENTS&
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 2 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 5 3 INTRODUCTION ...... 11 4 CIRCUIT TOURISM: CONCEPTUAL ISSUES ...... 11 5 STUDY OBJECTIVES ...... 12 6 GUIDING PRINCIPLE ...... 13 7 METHODOLOGY ...... 14 CHAPTER 1 – SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILING OF THE TPS CIRCUIT ...... 18 8 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING ...... 18 9 ENVIRONMENT ...... 24 10 PROTECTED AREAS WITHIN THE TPS CIRCUIT...... 25 11 ACCESSIBILITY AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 27 12 LOCAL ECONOMY ...... 34 12.1 AGRICULTURE ...... 35 12.2 AGRO-FORESTRY (NON WOOD FOREST PRODUCTION) ...... 40 12.3 TRADE AND INDUSTRY ...... 41 13 LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ...... 41 14 LITERACY AND EDUCATION ...... 43 15 HEALTH ...... 44 16 DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION ...... 45 17 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSISTANCE ...... 46 CHAPTER 2 – DESTINATION SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ...... 47 18 VISITOR ARRIVAL TRENDS AND MARKET ANALYSIS ...... 47 19 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY ...... 50 20 ACCOMMODATION ...... 51 21 EXISTING TOURISM PRODUCTS ...... 53 22 TOURISM POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...... 55 23 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FOR SUPPLIERS ...... 56 24 INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION AND COORDINATION ...... 57 25 FINANCIAL SERVICES ...... 57 26 SECURITY AND TOURISM SAFETY ...... 58 CHAPTER 3 – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ...... 58 27 SWOT ANALYSIS FOR THE TPS CIRCUIT ...... 59 28 TPS VISION ...... 61 29 KEY TOURISM PRODUCTS ...... 62
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%7% ! 30 DESTINATION APPRAISAL (FOR HIGH PRIORITY PRODUCTS ONLY) ...... 68 VALUE-ADDITION ON MERAK SAKTENG TREK ...... 68 THE SALT ROUTE TREK ...... 74 THE LOTUS VALLEY TREK ...... 78 WAMRONG - BIDINGPHU VILLAGE TREK ...... 85 ECO-HIKE/ CANOPY WALK /ELEPHANT TREK FROM SAMDRUP JONGKHAR TO DEOTHANG ...... 89 BIKING AND BIRDWATCHING FROM DEOTHANG TO PEMATHANG ...... 92 GAME FISHING IN GONGRI CHHU (DANGME CHHU) AND GOMDAR TO SAMDRUPCHOLING STRETCH ON NYERI AMA CHHU ...... 95 FARMHOUSE/GUESTHOUSE AND AGRO-TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN RONGTHONG, KHALING AND KANGLUNG IN TRASHIGANG ...... 96 WHITE WATER RAFTING IN GAMRI AND DANGMECHHU, RIVER CRUISES IN MANAS RIVER ...... 97 DUNGKHAR TSECHU ...... 98 PEMA GATSHEL TSECHU ...... 99 TRASHIGANG TSECHU ...... 99 SAMDRUP JONGKHAR TSECHU ...... 100 YONGPHULA TSECHU ...... 100 ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL IN PEMA GATSHEL ...... 100 SHORTLISTED DAY TRIPS ...... 100 CHAPTER 4 - TOURISM MARKETING FRAMEWORK ...... 101 31 UNDERSTANDING THE MARKETS ...... 101 32 MARKETING STRATEGY ...... 106 33 DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS ...... 109 34 PRIORITIZATION OF MARKETING TOOLS ...... 113 CHAPTER 5 – ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ...... 115 35 TOURISM BILL ...... 115 36 CIRCUIT TOURISM COMMITTEE/DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION ...... 116 37 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ...... 118 38 INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR ...... 127 CHAPTER 6 – TOURISM INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK ...... 129 HARD INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS ...... 130 SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS ...... 132 MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING ...... 132 SKILLS TRAINING AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ...... 132 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ...... 133 39 FACILITATION OF TOURISM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ...... 134 CHAPTER 7- TOURISM IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ...... 138 40 ACTION PLAN ...... 139 1. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 139 2. ACCESS AND INTERNAL TRANSPORTATION ...... 140 3. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES ...... 142 4. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ...... 145 5. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ...... 151 6. MARKETING AND PROMOTION ...... 153 41 DUE DILIGENCE ...... 154 REFERENCES ...... 155
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%8% ! APPENDICES ...... 158 !
TABLE&OF&FIGURES&
FIGURE!1!)!STEPS!IN!TOURISM!DEVELOPMENT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!2!)!STEPS!IN!RAPID!AREA!APPRAISAL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!3!)!OVERVIEW!OF!VALUE!CHAIN!APPRAISAL!TOOL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE 4 - OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!5!)!TPS!CIRCUIT!MAP!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!6!)!NATIONAL!PARKS!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!7!)!CONSTRUCTION!ALONG!GYELPOSHING)NANGLAM!HIGHWAY!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!8!)!ELECTRICITY!AND!MOBILE!CONNECTIVITY!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!9!)!HOUSEHOLDS!WITH!COMPUTER!OWNERSHIP!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!10!)!INTERNET!PENETRATION!RATES!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!11!)!ROAD!MASTER!PLAN!FOR!TRASHIGANG!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!12!)!ROAD!MASTERPLAN!FOR!PEMA!GATSHEL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!13!)!ROAD!MASTERPLAN!FOR!SAMDRUP!JONGKHAR!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!14)HOUSEHOLD!INCOME!BY!SOURCE!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!15!)!LABOUR!FORCE!PARTICIPATION!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!16!)!UNEMPLOYMENT!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!17!)!LITERACY!RATES!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!18!)!ACCESS!TO!IMPROVED!WATER!AND!SANITATION!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! FIGURE!19)!INTERNATIONAL!ARRIVALS!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !47! FIGURE!20!)!BED!NIGHTS!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !48! FIGURE!21!)!BED!NIGHTS!BY!DZONGKHAG!2012!...... !48! FIGURE!22!)!SEASONALITY!OF!VISITATION!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !49! FIGURE!23!)!OVERVIEW!OF!THE!MERAK!SAKTENG!TREK!...... !70! FIGURE!24!)!OVERVIEW!OF!LOTUS!VALLEY!TREK!...... !80! FIGURE!25!)!INTERNATIONAL!VISITORS!BY!TYPE!OF!ACTIVITIES!UNDERTAKEN!...... !103! FIGURE!26!)!TIMING!OF!VISITATION!OF!INTERNATIONAL!LEISURE!SEGMENT!...... !104! FIGURE!27!)!VISITOR!ARRIVAL!TARGETS!2013)2018!...... !109! FIGURE!28!)!PRIMARY!SOURCE!OF!INFORMATION!ON!BHUTAN!...... !110! FIGURE!29!)!OVERALL!RATINGS!OF!FACTORS!THAT!DETERMINE!FDI!IN!BHUTAN!...... !136! !
TABLES&LIST&
TABLE!1!)!TPS!CIRCUIT!AT!A!GLANCE!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!2!)!ROADS!RECENTLY!COMPLETED!AND!NEAR)COMPLETION!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!3!)!FOOD!CROP!PRODUCTION!(IN!MT)!IN!TRASHIGANG!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!4!)!FRUIT!PRODUCTION!(IN!MT)!IN!TRASHIGANG!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!5!)!LIVESTOCK!POPULATION!IN!TRASHIGANG!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!6!)!FOOD!CROP!PRODUCTION!BY!GEWOG,!PEMA!GATSHEL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!7!)!HOTICULTURAL!PRODUCTION!(IN!MT)!IN!PEMA!GATSHEL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!8!)!LIVESTOCK!POPULATION!IN!PEMA!GATSHEL!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!9!)!FOOD!CROP!PRODUCTION!IN!SAMDRUP!JONGKHAR!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!10!)!HORTICULTURE!PRODUCTION!(IN!MT)!IN!SAMDRUP!JONGKHAR!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%9% ! TABLE!11!)!LIVESTOCK!POPULATION!IN!SAMDRUP!JONGKHAR!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!12!)!TRADE!LICENSES!BY!TYPE!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !ERROR!&BOOKMARK&NOT&DEFINED.! TABLE!13!)!ACCOMMODATION!IN!THE!TPS!CIRCUIT!...... !51! TABLE!14!)!DZONGKHAG!WISE!OCCUPANCY!FOR!INTERNATIONAL!LEISURE!VISITORS!IN!2012!...... !53! TABLE!15!)!MERAK!SAKTENG!TREK!RANKING!...... !54! TABLE!16!)!OVERVIEW!OF!THE!SALK!ROUTE!TREK!...... !75! TABLE!17!)OVERVIEW!OF!LOTUS!VALLEY!TREK!...... !79! TABLE!18!)!OVERVIEW!OF!WAMRONG!)!BIDINGPHU!TREK!(KANGPARA!TREK)!...... !85! TABLE!19!)!PRIORITIZATION!OF!MARKETING!TOOLS!...... !114! TABLE!20!)!FUNCTIONS!OF!TOURISM!STAKEHOLDERS!AT!THE!DZONGKHAG!LEVEL!...... !125! !
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TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%10% ! 3 Introduction
With GDP contributions in excess of USD 227 million, and annual arrivals surpassing the 100,000 mark in 20121, Bhutan’s tourism sector has become a reckoning force contributing significantly towards the socio-economic development of Bhutan. The sector was also identified as one of the priority sectors for generating employment as part of the Accelerating Bhutan’s Socio-economic Development (ABSD). The Project was implemented simultaneously with the 10 FYP to add impetus towards achieving its goals. Realizing its potential for growth, the sector is prioritized as a key pillar to drive economic growth in the 11th FYP period (2013-2018).
In 2012, the Tourism Council of Bhutan in collaboration with UNWTO developed the Tourism Strategy 2013-2018 - a roadmap outlining tourism development in the 11th FYP period. The ambitious target set out in the Strategy will be justified by initiatives that broaden the demand base amongst consumers worldwide and through rigorous marketing and promotional campaigns. The expected growth in arrivals in the 11th FYP period can also only be accommodated with increased geographical spread and balanced seasonality over the year. To this effect, TCB has designated eastern parts of Bhutan as priority circuits for focused development.
4 Circuit&Tourism:&Conceptual&Issues&
A tourism circuit (or cluster) is typically defined as a route on which at least three major destinations located in different areas, but within close distances that tourists can and would like to cover them in a sequence. Tourism circuits have well defined entry and exit points that motivate tourists to visit all destinations within the circuit. The objective of having a circuit is to increase the total number of visits to all the destinations in one hand, and on the other to provide the tourist with different attraction and experiences within the circuit.
Unlike its typical definition to pool in major destinations as a circuit, the motivation for Bhutan to cluster eastern Dzongkhags is more from a planning perspective. The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes the need for decentralized tourism planning and management at the Dzongkhag and Gewog levels, with representatives from the communities. To this effect, TCB has already developed Tourism Development Plans for Haa and Zhemgang Dzongkhags to decentralize tourism planning and provide a holistic and integrated approach towards tourism development and management. In order to foster community participation in the tourism chain, TCB together with other stakeholders has also adopted the Community-based Tourism (CBT) approach for tourism product development in feasible areas. A pilot was run in Nabji Korphu, Trongsa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 Source: BTM 2012, TCB TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%11% ! in 2006 to encourage local farmers to benefit from tourism. The model was further replicated in Merak-Sakteng in 2009. In other words, the motivation for having circuit tourism in this area is empower local governments to plan and manage their own destination to foster Destination Stewardship.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council defines Destination Stewardship as – “a process by which local communities, governmental agencies, NGOs, and the tourism industry take a multi-stakeholder approach to maintaining the cultural, environmental, economic, and aesthetic integrity of their country, region, or town. In other words, to ensure that the destination retains and enhances the distinctive attributes that makes it attractive to beneficial tourism”.
The second reason why eastern Bhutan has been designated as tourism circuits is to encourage more visitations. Eastern Bhutan is not a major destination for tourism. Only 3.61%2 of the total international leisure visitors visited the 6 eastern Dzongkhags. Therefore, the main objective of designating these Dzongkhags into circuits or clusters is to consolidate the attractions of respective Dzongkhags to create competitive and attractive products to draw visitors to the region. Therefore Dzongkhags need to coordinate with each other rather than focus on their respective Dzongkhag Plans only.
The six Dzongkhags have been divided into two circuits named Circuit 1 and Circuit 2. Circuit 1 includes Mongar, Lhuentse and Trashi Yangtse; Circuit 2 includes Trashigang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar.
This report deals with Circuit 2 comprising the Dzongkhags of Trashigang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar, hereafter called as the TPScircuit.
5 Study&Objectives&
The objectives of the study were as follows:
1. Review policy and legal framework within the Dzongkhags of the TPS circuit relating to tourism development;
2. Conduct an assessment of attractions in the TPS circuit in relation to its natural, historical andcultural assets, existing tourism product, infrastructure and support services;
3. Identify tourism flows to and within the TPS circuit and analyze tourism supply and demand in terms of source markets and tourist behavioral trends;
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2 Source: BTM 2012 TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%12% !
4. Identify and analyze existing gaps between current tourism demand and supply;
5. Prepare a gap analysis of TPS circuit as a tourism destination;
6. Communicate with various communities, stakeholders and interest groups to obtaintheir views on future direction of tourism in the TPS circuit.
7. Develop a tourism development framework that provides a clear vision, sets strategic goals and objectives, supplies guiding principles and identifies key issues and challenges;
8. Provide a spatial framework for tourism development including the identification of existing tourism nodes, potential nodal development opportunities, tourism corridors, and recommendations regarding specific tourism support service and infrastructure requirements;
9. Prepare a tourism product development and marketing strategy including the identification of potential flagship tourism development projects, the formulation of a tourism management committee.
10. Developed a high-level implementation framework, which identifies key priority interventions, timeframes, resource implications and institutional roles and responsibilities, and includes a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure effective implementation of the Circuit Tourism Development Plan (CTDP).
The delivery of this report aims to realize the above objectives and provide direction for the TPS circuit in moving forward as a competitive tourism destination.
6 Guiding Principle
The development of the Circuit Tourism Development Plan for the TPS circuit is guided by the needs of the industry as mentioned in the Strategy 2013-2018, by adhering to the following guidelines.
• To initiate decentralized tourism planning. • To become a carbon neutral destination. • Develop and prioritize tourism attractions related to cultural tours that offer a different experience than the popular ones, promote heritage sites, arts and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%13% ! crafts including textile tours, nature-based tours such as lodge-based and community-based treks, bird-watching, kayaking, rafting and mountain-biking, butterfly and flower tours, medicinal and wellness tours, farmhouse and agro- tourism experiences etc. which have huge potential in the circuit. • To bring more benefits to a wider section of the Bhutanese population through increased community participation. • To increase geographical spread and help alleviate seasonality. • To help improve the quality of life of the locals as much as providing a good vacation for visitors. • To develop tourism in a well-coordinated way by collaborating with other tourism stakeholders.
Therefore, given the high value of assets in the circuit, the project guide is developed to create the circuit into a favorable destination with the main objective to increase visitations.
7 Methodology&
The report includes a number of elements and sub-plans. The different sub-plans are interdependent and the linkages need to be clearly established and understood in order to formulate a successful plan for TPS. The overarching approach adopted for the purpose of this study was by involving the Dzongkhag Administrations of the TPS circuit from the very inception.The methodology was implemented in 4 phases;
1. Phase one: situational analysis: Socio-economic profiling; 2. Phase two: situational analysis: destination assessment using Rapid Area Assessment Tool, and Value-Chain Analysis Tool 3. Phase three: development of the final Tourism plan; and 4. Phase four: implementation plan.
The development of CTDP was guided by the steps in tourism destination development as shown below;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%14% ! Figure 1 - Steps in Tourism Development
((((Steps(in(tourism development
With%tourism%enterprises%and%service%%providers% Markets(of( Investments(/(( 2 Travelers( Product(value( Interven3ons( (mo3ves(&( chain(analysis( in(enterprises( structure)(
(Tourism(( development((Tourism(( Defining(tourism(( development( product(s)(( Objec3ves( &(strategy(objec3ves(
Des3na3on( Investments(/(( Des3na3on( analysis(with( and(its( Interven3ons( 1 regard(to( into(( a?rac3ons( product( des3na3on( With((all(des3na3on(stakeholders((especially((DYT(and(GYT(
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Figure 2 - Steps in Rapid Area Appraisal
Rapid Area Appraisal Rapid Area Appraisal
Destination or Sub-Destination: Name, area, region
Description: Mature or emerging, major or minor, destination level, size of area Marketing Mature Tourism and circuit Attractions: type (major/minor), size, attractiveness & competitiveness Destination regulation tourism for geographic Visitation: visitors per year, nationalities, visit duration, market potential al spread
Access & Infrastructure: transport means, capacity, quality, safety Tourism Low level of No further Environmental integrity: nature quality, pollution, cleanliness development development action & promotion Tourism services: type, no. and quality of facilities, capacity Stakeholders involved: TCB, DoFPS, Dzongkhag, private etc. Low Potential High Potential Management (Coordination, marketing, regulation, attraction development & maintenance 11/15/12 Seite 3 11/15/12 Seite 4
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%15% ! Destination Appraisal 1: Attractions Destination Appraisal 2: Ecological & Social Environment
Relevance Rating Relevance Rating Performance Criteria Status quo / Action required Performance Criteria Status quo / Action required 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 ! !
Pristine natural beauty Condition of Trek routes Cultural significance Feasibility of rivers for Friendliness of local people Kayaking Environmental protection Condition of forests
Weather conditions Biodiversity protection
Accessibility and signage Climate change adaptation
Condition and maintenance Cleanliness (waste)
Clean sanitary facilities Air pollution Affordable entrance fees Community relations Tourism services available Community Attitudes to 11/15/12 Seite 7 tourism 11/15/12 Seite 6
Destination Appraisal 3: Market Orientation Destination Appraisal 4: Transport Infrastructure
Relevance Rating Relevance Rating Performance Criteria Status quo / Action required Performance Criteria Status quo / Action required 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 ! ! Market survey conducted Airport infrastructure of Yongphula Products developed Number of airlines / flights Destination branding Seasonality of access International tourism fairs Competitive pricing Online destination portal Road infrastructure Tourist satisfaction survey Public transport access Destination Management Car rental availability Tourist office established Air pollution / noise pollution Brochures and maps Online Mapping (e.g. Google)
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TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%16% ! Destination Appraisal 5: Business Environment !!!!Defining!the!tourism product – for e.g – Tercham Festival of Merak Sakteng
Relevance Rating Performance Criteria Status quo / Action required 1-3 1-3 Marketing Air / Road Ground Accom- Activities ! and Sales Transport!! Transport modation Nomadic' Business permits / licenses Lifesyles' Trekking' Investment incentives Airlines'–'' Tourist'Buses' Absence of corruption Bathpalathang' ' Campsites' Unique' Travel'' Yongphula' Ponies' Tercham' ' FesEval' Culture' Tourism standards implemente Agencies' ' Hotels'in' ' Own'Cars'' 'the'cicuit' Costs of doing business ' (for'domesEc)' ' AgroHtourism' Natural' Predictability of administration Online'' Road'entry'from'' ' Farmhouses' 'and'CBT'' Environment' Portals' Taxis'' Safety and security Samdrup' Farmhouse' (for'domesEc'' 'Jongkhar' 'stays' Business services available and'regional)' Red'Panda' Land use regulations 'Trails' Political support from DYT and DesEnaEon'Management' GYT Infrastructure' 11/15/12 Seite 10
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary 4
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%17% ! Figure 3 - Overview of Methodology
Contact'list'of'Informants' Make'Appointments' Mee#ngs'with'Project'Team' '
' Ac#on'Plan'development'and' Literature'Review'and'Desk'Research' shortlis#ng'of'Products'
Stakeholder'Mee#ng'with' Dzongkhag'Administra#on' Des#na#on'Appraisal'of' Products'
Field'Visit,'Mee#ngs'with' Public'and'Private' Recommenda#ons' Stakeholders'in'the'Circuit'' Proposed'list'of'Ac#vi#es' ' (Ac#on'Plan)' Stakeholder'Issues,'concerns' ' Mee#ngs'with'na#onal' and'consensus' Stakeholders' '
Presenta#on' Data'Analysis'and'Report'Wri#ng' ' Circuit'Tourism'Development'Plan'' • SocioGeconomic'profile' • An'assessment'of'marke#ng'value'of'community'aJrac#ons,'ini#al'projec#ons'for'revenue,' employment,'opera#onal'and'maintenance'costs' • Product'Development'Strategy' • Marke#ng'Strategy' • Ac#on'Plan' • An'inventory,'descrip#on'and'analysis'of'aJrac#ons,'facili#es'and'status'of'infrastructure.'
CHAPTER 1 – SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILING OF THE TPS CIRCUIT
The following sections document the findings of the desk research and literature review of existing data, interviews and Focus Group Discussions with key informants like Dzongkhag Administration, tour operators, officials from NRED, NSB, TCB, GNHC, SWS,LG, and community residents.
8 Geographical&Setting&
8.1 Trashigang&
The Trashigang Dzongkhag has borders with Mongar Dzongkhag in the west, Samdrup Jongkhar and Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag in the South, Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag in the
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%18% ! north and Indian state of Aranachal Pradesh in the east. Trashigang is 555 km away from Thimphu, the capital city and is one of the largest Dzongkhag in the Kingdom with total area about 2204.5 sq.km.
More than three quarters of its land is under forest cover (77.87%) - higher than the national coverage - which is mostly of the broad leaf evergreen type. The Dzongkhag is located in the temperate climatic zone, extending from an elevation of 600 meters to 4500 meters. Dangme Chhu, one of the largest rivers of the country, passes through this Dzongkhag. The average annual temperature is 15 degrees centigrade and ranges from a minimum of 3degrees centigrade in the month of January to a maximum of 25degrees centigrade in August. Its total annual rainfall ranges from around 1000 mm recorded in Chazam to over 2000 mm recorded in Thrimshing.
Administratively, the Dzongkhag is divided into three Dungkhags – Sakteng, Thrimshing and Wamrong – and sub-divided further into 15 gewogs – Bartsham, Bidung, Kanglung, Kangpara, Khaling, Lumang, Merak, Phongmey, Radhi, Sakteng, Samkhar, Shongphu, Thrimshing, Uzorong and Yangneer. There are six major towns – Kanglung, Khaling, Rangjung, Riserboo, Trashigang and Wamrong.
Trashigang has a total population of 67,271 people.
8.2 Pema Gatshel
Pema Gatshel is located in the south east of Bhutan with an area of 1022.11km2 and has a total of 238villages. Highly dissected mountain ranges, steep slopes and narrow valleys with little flat land characterize the Dzongkhag terrain. The elevation in the Dzongkhag ranges from 1,000 meters to 3,500 meters above the sea level. It experiences an average annual rainfall of 1500 mm to 3000 mm. The Dzongkhag is administratively divided into 11 Gewogs. About 90.82% of the total area is under forest cover, mainly coniferous and broadleaf species. With about 45% of the total land area under cultivation, the Dzongkhag has a good percentage of arable land.
Land holdings are, however, dominated by Tseri cultivation with only negligible wetland farming activities. Dry land cultivation is also a dominant agricultural practice with maize grown as the main cereal crop.The potential for the development of horticulture crops like cardamom, ginger and oranges exist in some Gewogs like Khar, Dungme and Chongshing Borang especially because of new road connections in the area. Other problems faced by most farmers include the lack of water sources for irrigation and extensive wildlife crop depredation.Pema Gatsthel has a total of 26 schools ranging from primary to middle secondary schools while health services were delivered by a Dzongkhag general hospital, 12 Basic Health Units (BHU) and 32 Outreach clinics (ORC) and 5 Sub-posts. A total of 82%of the total households are connected with water
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%19% ! supply schemes.There are 12 RNR centres providing Agriculture and livestock services to the residents. Almost all (98%) of the Dzongkhag is connected with mobile connectivity and 80% of the total households have electrification.
Off-farm employment in gypsum mines; roads and other construction works constitute an important source of income for the people. The production of cultural and religious items such as Jalings and Dungs (traditional piped religious instruments), Thonphupoe (incense), ngazhing jurmo tealeaves, and Yurung bura(textile) also generate cash income.
8.3 Samdrup&Jongkhar& !
Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkha shares its southern border with the Assam State of India and its eastern border with the Arunachal Pradesh State of India. To its west lies the Dzongkhag of Pema Gatshel and to its north Trashigang Dzongkhag. Its population is around 35,000 people constituting around 5% of the country’s total and its land area of less than 2,000 square kilometers, constituting around 4% of the country’s total. More than three quarters of its land is under forest cover - higher than the national coverage and of mostly the broad leaf sub-tropical evergreen type. The Dzongkhag is located in the sub-tropical climate zone, extending from an elevation of 200 meters to 3600 meters with major portion of the area within 600 meters to 1200 meters. Its southern strip extending across four Gewogs consists of fertile plain land. The temperature ranges from a minimum of 14 degree centigrade to a maximum of 36 degree centigrade. Its average annual rainfall is 5309.4 mm.
Administratively, the Dzongkhag is divided into two Dungkhags – Jomotsangkha (formerly called Daifam) and Samdrupchoeling (formerly called Bangtar) – and sub- divided further into 11 Gewogs – Deothang, Gomdar, Langchenphu, Lauri, Martshala, Jangchubling,Pemathang, Phuentshothang, Samrang, Serthi and Wangphu. There are a total of 40 villages, 73 Tshowogs and 136 Chiwogs spread across the 11 Gewogs. In addition, there are four major towns – Jomotsangkha, Deothang, Samdrupchoeling and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Deothang, Gomdar and Lauri Gewogs consist mainly of dry land. Maize is the staple food of the Gewogs and widely cultivated.Deothang and Gomdar also grow orange and ginger as the main cash crops contributing significantly to the local economy. Other crops grown in small scale in Lauri are paddy, upland paddy, millets, mustard, legumes, buckwheat and potato.
Martshala and Serthi Gewogs fall within the Chirapunji Mountain Range, therefore experiencing heavy rainfall (1500 mm annually). These areas also consist of mainly dry
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%20% ! land with maize cultivated as the staple food crop on both dry land and tseri (shifting cultivation). Other crops grown in small scale in Martshala are paddy, millets, mustard, legumes and buckwheat.
Orong and Wangphu Gewogs also consist of mainly dry land with maize cultivated as the staple food crop. In lower part of Orong Gewog, double cropping of maize is usually practiced. Other crops like paddy, millets, mustard, legumes, buckwheat, beans and ginger are grown in small scale in this area. In Wangphu, orange is grown as the main cash crop with the potential to generate income.
Samrang Gewog also consists of mainly dry land with potential for agricultural and horticultural development. Both rice and maize are the staple food crops of this area.
Langchenphu, Pemathang and Phuentshothang Gewogs, on the other hand, consist of mainly wetland. The soil types are mostly sandy and clayey loam and residents are mainly involved in farming. Paddy is the staple food crop of these areas, with the local scented variety rice known as Khamtey grown in Pemathang. It is characterized by Sub- tropical climate and heavy monsoon rain during June to September. The lower part of this Gewog and Phuentshothang Gewog has potential for double cropping of paddy and maize. Millet and maize are grown quite extensively in Phuentshothang. This Gewog has great economic viability with its proposal for town planning.Farmers in Phuentshothang also practice fish farming which is sold to nearby towns and Dzongkhags.
During the last four years of the 10 FYP, the Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde (municipality) has carried out various activities within the core area of Samdrup Jongkhar town as well as in Deothang town such as preparation of structure plan and Urban Water Supply Master Plan and construction of water supply for Samdrup Jongkhar, survey and demarcation of Deothang Throm, Flood Protection works along Dungsamchhu, construction of crematorium with Chhoekhang, construction andre-surfacing of urban roads, installation of underground street lights, construction of storm water drains, water supply for Deothang, construction of garbage pits, water supply to dog pound, construction of traffic sign boards and renovation of Dharamsala etc. major efforts are still underway to improve the municipality which will also benefit tourism.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%21% ! Figure 4 - TPS Circuit map
TPS$Circuit$
Table 1 - TPS Circuit at a Glance
Trashigang Pema Gatshel Samdrup Jongkhar
Area (Sq.km) 2204.5 1022.11 1877.67
Gewogs 15 01 11
Dungkhags 3 11 2
No. of Villages 431 (as per 239 4271 ECB) households
Population 67271 36,800 35502 (Male/Female)
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%22% ! (34044/33242) (18,180/18,620) (18253/17249)
Main dialects Sharchop Sharchop Sharchop/Nepali
No. of Lhakhangs 278 121 135
Protected Area 1 (SWS) 1 (RMNP) 1 KWS
Ruins of Dzongs 6 1
Forest Cover 77.87% 90.82% 85.15
Altitude 600- 4500m 1000-3500m 600-1200m
Average 15 17 24 Temperature (Degree Celsius)
Rainfall 1000-2000 mm 2,179mm 5309.4mm
No of Schools CPS-30 CPS-17 CPS- 16 (Community/Primary LSS-10 LSS-6 LSS- 4 /High/Tertiary) MSS-5 MSS-1 MSS- 5
HSS-4 HSS-2 HSS- 1
College-1
Number of Health Hospital-2 Hospital-1 Hospital- 2 (Hospital/BHU/ORC) BHU-18 BHU-12 BHU-8
ORC-57 ORC-32 ORC-30
Subpost-5 Subpost-5 Subpost-5
RNR (Agricuture 20 12 13 and Livestock Extension Centres)
Water Supply 99.63% 82% 94%
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%23% ! Enrollment rate 98.86% 98% 93%
Rural Electrification 100% 80% 62% Coverage
Mobile Connectivity 100% 98% 88%
9 Environment&
Broadleaved forests in Trashigang and Pema Gatshel, and broadleaved sub-tropical forest in Samdrup Jongkahr mainly characterize the environment in the TPS circuit. Trashigang Dzongkhag falls in the Dangme Watershed Area with around six dry months in a year. The district is located in the temperate climatic zone with mostly broad leaf evergreen type of forest. Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag has 90.8% of area under forest cover of particularly the broadleaf type. The district does not fall in any of the watershed areas, however, two of its Gewogs – Decheling and Norbugang – that were earlier under Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag, fall under the protected area of Royal Manas National Park. Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag is located in the sub-tropical climatic zone with fertile plain land mostly in Pemathang, Phuntshothang, Langchenphu and Samrang Gewogs. The Dzongkhag has 82.5% of area under broad leaf sub-tropical evergreen forest and the natural environment is intact and pristine mainly in the eastern part of the Dzongkhag. The Dzongkhag falls in the Nyeri Ama Watershed Area with around four dry months in a year.
Increasing economic activities as a result of market access and on-going developmental activities such as new road constructions in the TPS circuit has caused environmental degradation and loss of forest cover. In addition,tsheri or shifting cultivation practiced widely in all the Dzongkhags of TPS has caused significant loss of upland broadleaf forest and the sub-tropical forests. A forest management unit is under preparation for Samdrup Jongkhar in Geruwa to particularly promote community involvement in resource management through social forestry programs, which have been in practice in the country since 1979.
The Community Forestry (CF) programme that was first initiated in the early 1990’s in Bhutan has the overall potential of contributing to environmental conservation and local livelihood, and offset forest degradation.In Trashigang Dzongkhag, 8 Gewogs have been approved CF of 1,879.71 acres in total. The CF benefits a total of 799 households, with the maximum beneficiaries in Udzorong and the lowest in Bidung. Most of the CF area is for timber extraction and some for non-wood food products in Udzorong Gewog only. In Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag, four Gewogs – Dungmin, Norbugang, Shumar and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%24% ! Zobel - have been approved CF of 413 hectares in total. The CFs benefit a total of 239 households with the highest in Shumar in timber extraction, followed by Norbugang in non-wood forest products. In Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag, only two gewogs – Jangchubling and Lauri - have been approved CF of 1,536 acres in total. The CF for Jangchubling benefits 39 households in timber extraction and the CF for Lauri benefits 458 households in non-wood forest products.
10 Protected&Areas&within&the&TPS&Circuit.&
Whilst the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and the Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary fall entirely under the TPS circuit, a small part of the Royal Manas National Park (Decheling and Norbugang Gewogs) in Pema Gatshel falls under the circuit.
10.1 Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) lies in Trashiang covering a total area of 650 km2 and is bordered by the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) in the north and east, Phongmey Gewog and Kangpara Gewog in the west, and Shingkhar Lauri Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar.It was created in April 2003 with a strong agenda for conservation and to protect the unique assemblage of biological and cultural diversity in the region. It is connected to the Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary by a biological corridor, a part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2). Community-based tourism has been started in SWS particularly in the villages of Merak and Sakteng Gewogs since 2009 and around 356 international visitors have undertaken the trek. The Market Access and Growth Intensification Project (MAGIP) has also selected the trek to be upgraded into a agro-tourism product to create more opportunities for farmers to earn additional income through homestays.
10.2 Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary
Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest protected area of Bhutan covering 334.73 square kilometres (129.24 sq mi) inSamdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag along the southern border with Assam. Its elevations range between 400 metres (1,300 ft) and 2,200 metres (7,200 ft). Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary is, despite its small acreage, an important habitat for elephants, gaur (Bos gaurus), and other tropical wildlife. It may also contain the rare pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) and hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) known to inhabit the adjacent Khaling Reserve in Assam, with which Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary forms a trans-border reserve. Very little is known about KWS due to limited literature on it. It does not have a Park office.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%25% ! 10.3 Royal Manas National Park
A small proportion of Pema Gatshelfalls under the Royal Manas National Park.It is the oldest National park and covers an area of 1057 sq.km. RMNP forms a contiguous belt of very rich forest with Manas National Park in Assam. It representsthe largest tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems in the country that intercept with swathes of grassland and Wide River beds. It is only the areas where the wide range of habitats between the tropical and temperate can be protected in a single reserve. The Park is home to great variety of wildlife including several species of endangered and global important such as Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Pygmy hog (Sus Salvanius), Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Asiatic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) etc. making it ideal for wildlife safaris in winter.
Climatic conditions of the park vary in great deal in terms of rainfall and temperature. Monsoon rain being heaviest in the southern part of the park receive rainfall with record of almost 1200mm during the peak monsoon periods, whereas in the northern part of the park receive much less rain record less than 400mm. Thunderstorms are common during summer months and the river assume the forms of terrifying torrents. However, during winter rainfall is negligible and temperature may drop by almost 10 degree centigrade.
Rugged, mountainous terrain with moderately steep slopes characterizes much of the park areas, which peak at 2707 m in the northern part of the park. From this highest point, rivers drain east into the Mangde chu and west to the Taklai chu. There are more than 47 watersheds within the park. The lowest altitude recorded is as low as 80 m on the flood plain of Manas river. The altitudinal variation affords diversity of plants, mammals and birds in the park.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%26% ! Figure 5 - National Parks in the TPS Circuit
11 Accessibility&and&Connectivity&
The TPS circuit is accessible by air and road. By air, the two new domestic airports in Bathpalathang in Bumthang and Yongphula in Trashigang are operational. Currently, Drukair airline operates 1 flight per week with the 48-seater ATR 42-500 aircraft. The ATR can carry a maximum of 25 passengers3 per flight. Visitors can directly enter and exit the TPS circuit through Yongphula airport. Alternatively, one could use the air mode to embark from Paro to Bumthang sector and then continue by road to Trashigang with a driving distance of 289 km.
Samdrup Jongkhar is an important gateway for trade and tourism. Travellers can enter and exit the TPS sector through the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway, which is 100 km from Guwahati, Assam.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 Source :Drukair Officials TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%27% ! Road network in the TPS circuit has improved drastically over the 10th FYP period. The Trashigang - Samdrup-Jongkhar (180 km) highway maintained by DANTAK is undergoing major road widening and will greatly enhance transportation once it is complete. Similarly the ongoing Gyelposhing – Nganglam (68 km) highway will connect the remote parts of monger and Pema Gatshel.
RGoB had been implementing Rural Access Project (RAP I and II) with financial assistance from World Bank, and the Road Network Project (RNP I and II) with assistance from ADB, to improve rural access to market, schools, health centers, and other services in select Dzongkhags. Rural communities in the TPS circuit have been connected to feeder roads as part of these projects and as a result the quality of life and productivity in these rural communities has greatly improved. Besides providing improved transport services, it has reduced traveltime and transport costs and enhanced new economic and employment opportunities through linkages tonew markets, production centers and other areas of economic opportunities.
The Tsebar-Mikuri-Shingchungri road construction which is on-going, passes through 14 villages in Pema Gatshel and will benefit more than 8784 households when it is completed. The newly constructed Samdrupcholing-Samrang feeder road in Samdrup Jongkhar passes through 8 villages and has benefit more than 795 households.
Major road works that are recently completed or near-completion are as follows;
Table 2 - Roads recently completed and near-completion
Road Name Length Dzongkhag Gewog (Block) (km) (District)
A.!National!Roads!
Trashigang! –! Samdrup! Jonghar! 180& Trashigang,! & National!Highway!Widening!Works& Samdrup! Jonghar&
Samdrupcholing)!Samrang& 23& Samdrupjongkha Phuntshothang,! r& Pemathang,! Samrang!&
&
Panbang)!Nganglam& 36& Zhemgang! and! Ngangla,! Pema!Gatshel& Norbugang&
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 Source : MoWHS, Resettlement Plan for Tsebar-Mikuri-Shingchungri Section 2009. 5 Source : MoWHS, Resettlement Plan for Samdrup Chholing - Samrang Section 2009. TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%28% ! B.!Feeder!Roads!
Tsebar)!Mikuri)Shingchungri& 62& Pema!Gatshel& Khar,! Chongshing,! Dungmin&
Kharungla%–%Kangpara,! 25& Trashigang& Kangpara&
Khothakpa!Khar!Tsebar!Yurung!road& 29& Pema!Gasthel& Khar,! Chongshing! Borang,! Yurung,! Tsebar&
Figure 6 - Construction along Gyelposhing-Nanglam Highway
Source : MoWHS
All 15 Gewogs in Trashigang are connected by road, although only 13 of them have road access till the Gewog centers. The remaining two Gewogs of Merak and Sakteng do not have road access till the Gewog centers. In Pema Gatshel 9 out of 11 Gewogs are now connected with roads. Similarly 8 out of 11 Gewogs in Samdrup Jongkhar are also connected with roads. Appendix 2 for the detailed inventory of roads.
According to a recent performance report of the 10th FYP, Trashigang has 100% rural electrification and mobile connectivity. Pema Gatshel has 80% electrification and 98% mobile connectivity. Samdrup Jongkhar has 62% rural electrification and 79.7% mobile connectivity.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%29% ! According to the BLSS 2012 Report, only 11.2% of the total households in Trashigang own a computer at home. Some 5.3% and 11.5% of households in Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar respectively, own a computer at home.
Figure 7 - Electricity and Mobile Connectivity
Electricity&and&Mobile&Connectivity&
120! 100! 100! 98! 100! 80! 79.9! 80! 62! 60!
Percentage& 40!
20!
0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
Mobile!Connectivity! Electricity!
Figure 8 - Households with Computer Figure 9 - Internet Penetration Rates Ownership 16! 14! 14! 11.2! 11.5! 14! 12! 12! 10! 10! 8! 8! 5.3! 8! 5.8! 6! 6!
4! Percentage& Percentage& 4! 2! 2! 0! 0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup! Trashigang! Pema! Samdrup! Jongkhar! Gatshel! Jongkhar! Dzongkhags& Dzongkhags&
Source : BLSS 2012 Report
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%30% ! Figure 10 - Road Master Plan for Trashigang
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%31% ! Figure 11 - Road Masterplan for Pema Gatshel
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%32% ! Figure 12 - Road Masterplan for Samdrup Jongkhar
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%33% ! 12 Local Economy
According to the BLSS 2012 report, the local economy in the TPS circuit is mainly a wage-based economy followed agrarian farming as the main sources of income. Even though labour wages may rank higher, the PHCB 2005 report states that the main occupation of the people in the Dzongkhags in the TPS circuit is subsistence farming. Brokpas in Merak and Sakteng gewogs in Trashigang, who are located in higher altitudes, are still pastoralists whose livelihoods involve rearing Yaks and their crossbreeds called Dzo/Dzoms (crossbreed between Yaks and local cattle), local cattle, sheep and horses. Merak and Sakteng gewogs also earn supplementary income from the Community-based Tourism (CBT) trek, which was opened in 2009.
The regional economy of Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag is agrarian driven, with farming as the main source of income for nearly half of the households6, however, constrained by limited arable land and irrigation facilities.Livestock appears to be a source of income for a very small proportion of the people of this Dzongkhag.However, it is characterizedby large scale Gypsum mining in Shumar Gewog.
Samdrup Jongkhar serves as a hub of business for the five other eastern Dzongkhags of Pema Gatshel, Trashigang, Trahiyangtse, Lhuentse and Mongar as the only entry exit point with neighbouring Assam, India. Currently, the Druk Satair Corporation Ltd., Eastern Bhutan Coal Co., SD Eastern Bhutan Ferro Silicon Pvt. Ltd. and Choden Chemicals & Industry Ltd. are the main manufacturing units in Samdrup Jongkhar. Mining has in fact been in practice on a large scale, thereby providing significant employment opportunities and economic prospects in the region.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 6Source: PHCB 2005, NSB TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%34% ! Figure 13-Household income by source
Household&Income&by&source&
Samdrup!Jongkhar! 65.8! 9.9! 24.3!
Pema!Gatshel! 46.2! 29.1! 24.8!
Trashigang! 73.1! 11.9! 14.9!
0%! 10%! 20%! 30%! 40%! 50%! 60%! 70%! 80%! 90%! 100%!
Wages! Agriculture! Non)Agriculture!
Source: BLSS 2012 Report
12.1 Agriculture
Cereal production for self-consumption or subsistence agriculture is the main occupation but farmers are now increasingly growing cash crops due to the new road accesses. The major food crops grown are maize and barley and the major horticultural crops grown are mandarin, walnut, peach, potato, pumpkin and chilly, with potential for cash income generation with maize and potato mainly. The principal livestock reared are cattle and poultry, with some sections of the communities rearing pigs, horses and sheep.
Residents in Phuntshothang in Samdrup Jongkhar also practice fish farming on a commercial scale by forming a farmer’s fishery cooperative. They sell their fish in Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang.
Mandi and Thongsar villages in Pema Gatshel practice cotton farming on a small scale.
Three quarters of Trashigang households own land with each household owning 3.1 acres of land on average (DoA 2007), among the higher acreage across Dzongkhags with Pema Gatshel on the top (6.0 acres). By the type of landholding, Trashigang households on average hold 1.2 acres of wetland, 4.0 acres of dry land and 3.8 acres of
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%35% ! orchard land (DoA 2007).By type of landholding, Pema Gatshel households on average hold 1.1 acres of wetland, 7.1 acres of dryland and 0.9 acres of orchard land. Samdrup Jongkhar households on average hold 1.7 acres of wetland, 7.0 acres of dryland and 0.8 acres of orchard land. A major issue with respect to agricultural farming in Samdrup Jongkhar and Pema Gatshel Dzongkhags appears to be the continued traditional practice of tseri (shifting) cultivation. This in combination with soil erosion due to heavy rainfall reduces the soil fertility of some areas, which is foreseen to improve with encouragement of terracing.
12.1.1 Trashigang&Agriculture&Profile&
!
Table 3 - Food Crop Production (in MT) in Trashigang
Gewog Wheat Maize Paddy Bitter Sweet Finger Barley Total Bartsham 349.1 216.0 565.1 Bidung 313.5 304.4 Buckwheat Buckwheat Millet 41.5 659.4 Kanglung 354.8 270.6 625.4 Kangpara 0.02 288.0 28.9 29.1 346.02 Khaling 544.2 35.9 580.1 Lumang 90.0 1,118.4 103.2 1,311.6 Merak 126.2 3.8 130 Phongmey 303.6 559.7 80.4 943.7 Radhi 1,438.6 1,508.6 2,947.2 Sakteng 17.5 187.5 205 Samkhar 741.2 72.0 813.2 Shongphu 161.4 131.7 131.7 424.8 Thrimshing 44.8 42.6 159.0 246.4 Uzorong 1,033.5 22.0 64.8 1,120.3 Yangnyer 440.3 440.3 Dzongkhag 251.42 7,051.4 2,895.2 203.9 212.8 42.6 701.2 11,358.52 Source:
DoA2007
Table 4 - Fruit Production (in MT) in Trashigang
Gewog Mandarin Walnut Pear Peach Sugarcane Apple Guava Banana Bartsham 8.3 25.1 20.5 19.6 41.1 3.0 Bidung 18.2 7.0 6.7 13.3 4.8 4.6 Kanglung 97.9 4.6 34.6 7.1 Kangpara 13.4 8.2 6.5 9.6 0.7 4.5 Khaling 38.8 6.0 6.8 15.1 Lumang 23.1 152.7 1.8 13.8 4.7 Merak 1.4 6.0 0.2 Phongmey 36.5 35.1 18.2 45.4 24.1 Radhi 25.3 3.9 4.1 11.7 8.6 Sakteng Samkhar 41.5 5.9 25.6 13.2 0.1 63.6 4.2
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%36% ! Shongphu 104.5 20.9 1.3 53.3 54.2 6.5 Thrimshing 46.9 24.8 1.5 9.6 20.8 18.5 Uzorong 61.8 22.1 0.8 34.4 31.9 Yangnyer 4.2 31.1 18.8 2.6 1.9 23.2 Total 516.2 298.4 158.7 254 130.3 10.6 98.7 125.4 Source: DoA 2007 !
Table 5 - Livestock Population in Trashigang
!
! Gewog Cattle Horses Sheep Pigs Poultry Bartsham 3,800 324 0 35 258 Bidung 4,856 183 1 0 240 ! Kanglung 2,404 73 0 119 716 Kangpara 4,093 363 208 70 1,198 ! Khaling 5,668 105 105 77 1,715 Lumang 3,834 13 12 132 912 ! Merak 16,450 1,028 1,423 0 286 Phongmey 4,174 197 95 209 1,329 ! Radhi 3,734 474 0 56 936 Sakteng 13,415 794 931 4 462 ! Samkhar 4,349 188 47 74 1,334 Shongphu 2,992 112 44 36 366 Thrimshing 2,152 132 0 80 842 ! Uzorong 5,330 177 0 426 469 Yangnyer 3,786 133 0 382 739 ! Total 81,037 4,296 2,866 1,700 11,802 Source: DoA ! 2007
!
12.1.2 Pema&Gatshel&Agriculture&Profile&
!
Table 6 - Food Crop Production by Gewog, Pema Gatshel
! Gewog! Wheat! Maize! Paddy! Buckwheat! Millet! Barley! Total! Chimong% % 211.3% % 21.9% % % 233.2! Chongshing% 38.4% 129.2% % % % 21.6% 189.2! Chokhorling% % % % % 72.4% % 72.4! Dechheling% % 559.9% 363.0% 181.2% 124.5% % 1,228.6! Dungmin% % 486.4% % 113.9% 21.8% 45.9% 668! Khar% 49.4% 317.4% % % % 62.2% 429! Nanong% % 673.3% 182.4% 124.0% % 125.4% 1,105.1! Norbugang% % 488.9% 267.0% 118.5% 318.4% % 1,192.8! Shumar% % 835.3% % 186.9% % % 1,022.2!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%37% ! Yurung% % 835.3% % % % % 835.3! Zobel% % 225.7% % % % 118.2% 343.9! Dzongkhag! 87.8! 4,762.7! 812.4! 746.4! 537.1! 373.3! 7,319.7! Source:(DoA(2007!
Table 7 - Hoticultural Production (in MT) in Pema Gatshel
! Gewog! Mandarin! Banana! Guava! Peach! Potato! Ginger! Pumpkin! Squash! Radish! Tapioca! Chimong% 175.5% % % % % 3.6% 98.9% 66.9% % % Chokhorling% 2,057.7% 11.1% % % % 5.0% % % 34.8% 32.1% Chongshing% 154.7% 6.4% 46.2% 38.4% 42.0% 4.7% 24.3% % 31.8% 5.6% Dechheling% 1,501.3% 6.6% 12.3% 11.2% 101.3% 63.6% 45.8% 174.7% 59.6% 290.7% Dungmin% 375.8% 8.4% % 117.4% 34.0% 9.6% 23.8% 131.9% 37.0% 476.4% Khar% 476.1% 33.0% 5.9% 64.9% 78.4% 21.3% 38.0% 46.7% 76.3% % Nanong% 208.0% 40.2% 31.7% 22.7% 1,286.9% 9.9% 33.3% 52.3% 25.1% % Norbugang% 5,923.2% 40.2% 31.7% 22.7% 34.1% 82.4% 44.5% % 12.0% 102.8% Shumar% 997.4% 66.6% 13.3% 66.6% 409.5% 29.3% 103.2% 259.7% 108.8% 15.3% Yurung% 72.0% 2.5% 13.7% 7.6% 409.5% 29.3% 26.4% 19.9% 108.8% % Zobel% 12.5% % % 2.3% 451.0% % 12.2% 20.0% 75.3% % Dzongkhag! 11,954.2! 215! 154.8! 353.8! 2,846.7! 258.7! 450.4! 772.1! 569.5! 922.9! Source:(MoA(2007(
Table 8 - Livestock Population in Pema Gatshel
! Gewog! Cattle! Horse! Goat! Pig! Poultry! Chimong% 716% 135% 9% 267% 744% Chokhorling% 864% 69% 0% 0% 78% Chongshing% 1,094% 30% 1% 44% 264% Dechheling% 1,632% 0% 0% 11% 375% Dungmin% 988% 73% 3% 25% 173% Khar% 2,116% 119% 14% 18% 330% Nanong% 2,136% 28% 0% 224% 503% Norbugang% 1,480% 147% 0% 2% 345% Shumar% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Yurung% 1,918% 280% 75% 326% 1,043% Zobel% 2,091% 18% 4% 3% 670% Total! 15,035! 899! 106! 920! 4,525! Source:(DoA(2007( ! ! ! ! !
12.1.3 Samdrup&Jongkhar&Agriculture&Profile&
! TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%38% ! Table 9 - Food crop production in Samdrup Jongkhar
! Gewog! Wheat! Maize! Paddy! Buckwheat! Barley! Millet! Total! Deothang% % 270.1% 443.0% % % 47.8% !!!!760.9!! Gomdar% % 862.9% 219.2% 147.1% 152.7% % 1,381.9!! Jangchubling%% % 326.1% 195.0% 94.8% % % !!!!615.9!! Langchenphu%% % 86.1% 286.2% % % 11.0% !!!!383.3!! Martshala% % 404.4% 446.0% 143.4% 87.9% % 1,081.7!! Pemethang%% % 98.5% 802.2% % % % !!!!900.7!! Phuntshothang%% 23.8% 50.8% 889.5% % % 42.1% 1,006.2!! Samrang% % % 78.7% % % 16.3% !!!!!!95.0!! Serthig% % 714.3% 146.1% 73.6% % % !!!!!934.0!! Shingkhar%Lauri% 141.3% 875.5% 202.2% 308.5% 97.1% 41.0% !!1,665.6!! Wangphu% % 674.4% % 160.0% 209.6% % !!1,044.0!! Dzongkhag! !!165.1!! !!!!4,363.1!! !!3,708.1!! !!!!!!!!927.4!! !!!547.3!! !!!158.2!! 9,869.2! Source:(DoA(2007( ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Table 10 - Horticulture Production (in MT) in Samdrup Jongkhar
! Gewog! Mandarin! Areca!nut! Potato! Radish! Ginger! Deothang% 252.09% 2.27% 38.53% 13.54% 24.23% Gomdar% 0.68% 0.00% 148.55% 76.47% 24.50% Jangchubling%% 430.53% 0.00% 68.02% 66.78% 48.59% Langchenphu%% 329.28% 39.95% 6.80% 5.49% 182.08% Martshala% 760.25% 0.00% 402.65% 129.69% 591.69% Pemethang%% 0% 87.81% % % % Phuntshothang%% 0% 383.37% 21.19% 11.14% 168.20% Samrang% 449.49% 0.00% % % % Serthig% 10.70% 0.00% 36.90% 27.21% 2.84% Shingkhar%Lauri% 884.09% 0.00% 225.83% 162.90% % Wangphu% 252.09% 2.27% 453.21% 230.52% 47.39% Total! 3,369.2! 515.67! 1,401.68! 723.74! 1,089.52! Source:(MoA(2007( (( (( (( (( (( Table 11 - Livestock Population in Samdrup Jongkhar
! Gewog! Cattle! Horse! Sheep! Pig! Poultry! Deothang% 2920% 15% 0% 20% 356% Gomdar% 3860% 113% 0% 422% 1,753% Jangchubling%% 4052% 105% 0% 27% 1,958% Langchenphu%% 2698% 18% 11% 16% 635% Martshala% 5456% 516% 0% 212% 987% Pemethang%% 2360% 38% 0% 28% 463% Phuntshothang%% 3412% 9% 3% 22% 433% Samrang% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Serthig% 2508% 217% 0% 39% 445% Shingkhar%Lauri% 3460% 436% 38% 21% 356% Wangphu% 3628% 198% 0% 73% 955% Total! ! ! ! ! ! Source:(DoA(2007( ! ! ! ! !
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%39% ! 12.2 Agro-forestry (non wood forest production)
Trashigang dzongkhag is known for essential oil and natural dye production. Trashigang is among the four districts in eastern Bhutan with chirpine forest ecosystem where lemon grass grows abundantly. Lemon grass oil has been in production since 1981, with the support of Tashi Commercial Corporation initially in the export of the products to various places in India and then to European markets from 1990, the same year of the beginning of the FAO-supported project "Production of Essential Oils by Small Holders in Remote Areas", followed by the “Essential Oils Development Project” of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (then Trade and Industry) in 1993. The lemon Grass Scenario Analysis 2005 assessed lemongrass collection and distillation to contribute 30% to the overall household income, with 31% net income from every kg of oil produced. Further, every distillation unit created employment for seven persons - five external collectors and two persons from the owning household. However, there has been decline in the number of functional distillation units and consequent decrease in the production over the years, owing mainly to the availability of less labor-intensive employment, concerns over depleting resources and certain religious stigma attached to its cultivation arising from the inadvertent killing of insects.
Several villages in Radhi Gewog have initiated cultivation of indigo plant for blue dye with UNDP support. The Handicraft Centre of the National Women’s Association of Bhutan (NWAB) in Khaling is known for its natural dyeing activity and supplies natural dyed yarn (raw silk and fine silk) to Radhi and Khoma. Kangpara, Thrimshing and Yangnyer Gewogs, on the other hand, need to revive their natural resources to support textile production. Other forestry resources include bamboo, which is used for making mats, roofing and fencing particularly in Khaling.
In Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag and in particular Khar Gewog is popular for the production of Dhungs, Jalings, Manilakhor, Thonphu Poe and Nyashing Jurma tea leaves. In addition, Nanong Gewog is popular for Satshoen for traditional painting. These provide alternate sources for income generation in the communities.
Lauri Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar is well known for availability of Chirata, which is a medicinal plantwhich is grown naturally. These products provide alternative sources of livelihood, particularly useful for areas with low agricultural productivity. For Serthi Gewog, the naturally grown Star Anise and Rubie Cordifolia are the only sources of cash income. Both Lauri and Serthi are the remotest areas of the Dzongkhag and need alternative sources of livelihood.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%40% ! 12.3 Trade and Industry
According to records of trade licenses issued in Trashigang in 2008, majority is of the micro trade type. Industrial licenses issued in Trashigang, constitute only 4% of the total issued in the country and are mostly of the ‘services’ and ‘contract’ types, most of which are at ‘cottage’ scale level.Among the few production and manufacturing licenses, they are ‘forest-based’ and at the ‘cottage’ scale.
Records of trade licenses issued in Pema Gatshel show majority to be of the micro trade type and constitute 2.7% of the total trade licenses issued in the country. Most businesses are of the ‘services’ and ‘contract’ types falling under the ‘cottage’ scale.Amongst the few production and manufacturing licenses, majority are ‘forest- based’ and ‘mineral-based’.In addition, majority of the ‘contract’ type licenses are of Class D (petty) scale.
According to records of trade licenses issued in Samdrup Jongkhar, majority is of the micro trade type. Most businesses are of the ‘services’ and ‘contract’ types.Among the few production and manufacturing licenses, majority are ‘forest-based’ and ‘agro-based’ and mostly of ‘cottage’ scale.
Table 12 - Trade Licenses by type in the TPS Circuit
%% Retail!!Wholesale!! Services! Manufacturing!
Trashigang!! 800% 7% 461! 56!
! Pema!Gatshel! 356% 8%! ?!! ?! Samdrup!Jongkhar! 346% 15% 793% 53!
!
13 Labour&Force&Participation&and&Unemployment&Rates&
According to the BLSS 2012 Report, the working-age population of 15 years and above persons comprises the economically active (the labor force)and the economically inactive.The economically active groups are the employed and theunemployed. A person is considered to be working or employed if for at least 1 hour in the last 7 days the person (i) farmed, fished, hunted, gathered fruits, or did income-earning work on the farm; or (ii) worked in an enterprise for money, profit, or business; or (iii) did unpaid work in an enterprise or on the farm of a friend or relative. Persons with jobs but not working during the reference period are also considered employed. Those not working TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%41% ! during the 7 days before the interview but actively looking for a job or available for work or trying to start a new business are considered part of the labor force but unemployed. Persons available for work include those who said they were available if work was offered to them but believed no work was obtainable, and those who did not look for work for the following reasons: it was the off-season, no appropriate work was available, their employment applications had not yet yielded results, or they were waiting to be rehired for a previous job. All others who did not work because of temporary illness, house or family duties, studies, unsuitable age, permanent disability, or other reasons are considered unavailable for work and therefore part of the economically inactive population.
Labor force participation and unemployment rates, by gender and by Dzongkhag, are provided inFigures 14 and 15 below. The labor force participation rates are generally in the 50% –75% range in the TPS circuit, and are highest for Pema Gatshel (71.4%), followed by 58.3% in Trashigang and 56.4% in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Unemployment is comparatively lower than in other Dzongkhags of Bhutan. The capital city Thimphu recorded the highest unemployment rate of 6.9%. In the TPS circuit, unemployment rate is recorded highest in Trashigang Dzongkhag with 2.5%, followed by 1.9% and 1.0% in Samdrup Jongkhar and Pema Gatshel respectively. The tourism initiatives proposed in the CTDP should use this baseline to measure the employment rates in a few years.
!
!
Figure 14 - Labour Force Participation in the TPS circuit
Labour&Force&Participation&
80! 71.4! 73.3! 71.5! 66! 69.2! 70! 58.3! 56.4! 60! 51.2! 50! 42.1! 40! 30! Percentage& 20! 10! 0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
Total! Male!! Female! ! TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%42% ! Figure 15 - Unemployment in the TPS Circuit
Unemployment&Rate&
3! 2.5! 2.5! 1.9! 2!
1.5! 1!
Percentage& 1!
0.5!
0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar! Dzongkhags&
Source : BLSS, 2012
14 Literacy&and&Education&
Literacy and education levels in a destination determine the preparedness of the people for new interventions such as tourism. They are essential to furthering economic development and improving livelihoods of individuals and communities. Literacy levels and education enrolment ratios provide a useful indication of access to education and thus constitute important measures of social progress. Enhanced human capabilities through literacy and education are an important aspect of human wellbeing and thereby an important GNH sub indicator under the domain of Education.
Literacy rates in the TPS circuit are comparatively lower than other Dzongkhags in Bhutan. The highest was recorded in Samdrup Jongkhar (61.7%), followed by Trashigang (60.1%). Pema Gatshel had recorded 56.1% literacy rate in the Dzongkhag. Literacy rates amongst the youth were significantly higher than the adult population. This is not surprising as accessibility and education facilities have improved over the years and thereby encouraging the younger generation to go to schools for formal education.
There are a total of 69 public schools in Trashigang district alone, constituting 11.5% of the total and the largest proportion among all Dzongkhags. Out of the total 30 are community primary schools catering to rural communities. In addition, there are a total of 30 Central Monk Body administered monastic schools.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%43% ! Both the Basic and Primary Gross Enrolment Ratios for Pema Gatsheland Samdrup Jongkhar are 100% - significantly above those for the nation and amongst the highest in the eastern region.The Net Enrolment Ratio in 2012 is 100% for basic level and primary level, with both significantly higher than the national ratios and amongst the highest in the eastern region.
Figure 16 - Literacy rates in the TPS Circuit
Literacy&Rates&
100! 88.5! 90.2! 89.5! 90! 80! 70! 60.1! 61.7! 56.1! 60! 52.4! 49.5! 46.2! 50! 40! Percentage& 30! 20! 10! 0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
Total! Youth! Adult!
15 Health&
There have been major improvements in health facilities in the TPS circuit in the last decade. Readily available health services are important for tourism during emergency, or when visitors need instant medication. Trashigang has 2 hospitals, 18 BHUs, 57 ORCs, and 5 subposts. The peoplehave easy access to health facilities. Each of the Gewogs has more than one health facility, ranging from a minimum of three to a maximum of seven, with even the very remote communities having access to outreach clinics. Trashigang currently has 8 doctors.
Pema Gatshel has 1 hospital at Pema Gatshel town, 12 BHUs, 32 outreach clinics and 5 subposts. Samdrup Jongkhar has 2 hospitals at Samdrup Jongkhar town and Deothang, 8 BHUs and 30 outreach clinics. The 3 Dzongkhags enjoys a good degree of health coverage. Every Gewog has more than one health facility ranging from a
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%44% ! minimum of three in Minjiwoong to a maximum of 14 in Samdrupchhoeling, with even the very remote communities having access to outreach clinics.
16 Drinking&water&and&sanitation&
There are two major categories of drinking-water sources: (i) improved water sources (water piped into the dwelling or compound, neighbor’s piped water, public outdoor tap, protected well, protected spring, and bottled water); and (ii) unimproved water sources (unprotected well, unprotected spring, tanker truck, cart with small tank or drum, surface water, and other sources). An improved source of drinking water is one that is likely to be protected from outside contamination, particularly from contamination with fecal matter. Nearly all (98.9% on average) households in TPS have access to improved water sources and of these households the majority (73.3%) have water piped into their dwelling or compound. The main sources of drinking water are public outdoor taps and a neighbor’s pipe7.
Sanitation is the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human wastes. The lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities can cause diseases, most commonly diarrhea from contamination with fecal matter, increasing child mortality rates. According to the BLSS 2012 Report, some 80.8% households in the TPS circuit have proper sanitation facilities in their house.
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7Source : BLSS 2012, NSB. TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%45% ! Figure 17 - Access to Improved Water and Sanitation
Access&to&Improved&Water&and& Sanitation&
120! 98.9! 99.1! 98.7! 100! 81.4! 81.1! 79.9! 80!
60!
Percentage& 40!
20!
0! Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
Improved!Water!Source! Improved!Sanitation! !
Source: BLSS 2012 Report.
17 Developmental Assistance
Development assistance and investments have been mainly in the form of RGOB funding for roads, infrastructure, health, agriculture and forestry. World Bank and ADB have significant project loans/grants for the development of roads through the Rural Access Project (funded by World Bank) and the Road Network Project (funded by ADB). International agencies like WWF and donor aid from MacArthur Foundation for forestry and the environmental projects are received for conservation purposes in SWS. IFAD with DoFPSis implementing the Market Access and Growth Intensification Project to connect farmers with markets in the 6 eastern Dzongkhags, which also includes the TPS circuit. IFAD has recently committed financial assistance to pilot an agro-tourism project in SWS.The Ministry of Health and Services with technical assistance from SNV has been implementing Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Programme to improve sanitation in the rural areas of Pema Gatshel. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been supporting community schools in the TPS circuit.
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%46% ! CHAPTER 2 – DESTINATION SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
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18 Visitor&Arrival&Trends&and&Market&Analysis&
The 6 eastern Dzongkhags receives very less international and regional visitors with only 3.61% of the total bed nights in 2012. Out of the 6 Dzongkhags, only 1.66% were recorded in the TPS circuit. Trends in the last 5 years illustrate that the arrival patterns are unsteady with decreasing visitation in 2012. Increase in arrivals between 2010-2011 is attributed to the new Community-based Tourism trek in Merak and Sakteng, and the opening of the Samdrup Jongkhar entry/exit gateway which was closed until 2009 for security reasons. Pema Gatshel only started receiving visitors from the year 2010. Figures on the regional visitors by Dzongkhags are not available from the Department of Immigration.
Figure 18- International Arrivals in the TPS circuit
3500!
3000! 2875!
2500! 2230! 2109! 2000! 1930! 1607! 1500! 1381! 1225!
Visitor&Arrivals& 1216! 1119! 1000! 903!
500!
105! 0! 0! 0! 9! 33! 2008! 2009! 2010! 2011! 2012!
Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%47% ! Figure 19 - Bed Nights in the TPS circuit
6,000! 4993! 5,000! 4930! 4435! 4,000!
3,000! 2251! 2058! 2,000! 1697! 1,225! 1,000! 903! 39! 147! 0! 18! 0! 2009! 2010! 2011! 2012!
Trashigang! Pema!Gatshel! Samdrup!Jongkhar!
Figure 20 - Bed Nights by Dzongkhag 2012
35.00! 32.69! 30.00!
25.00! 24.70!
20.00!
15.00! 15.96! Percentage& 10.00! 9.56! 1.32! 6.35! 5.00! 2.81! 0.01! 0.04! 1.07! 0.82! 0.68! 0.05! 1.83! 0.00! 0.16! 0.06! 0.93! 0.00! 0.00! 0.94!
Dzongkhag&
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%48% ! Figure 21 - Seasonality of Visitation in the TPS circuit
60!
50!
40!
30!
Percentage& 20!
10!
0!
2010! 2011! 2012!
Interviews with tour operators and visitors illustrated a diverse range of reasons why eastern Bhutan may not be a preferred destination. Visitors mentioned that the main reason to visit eastern Bhutan was for the purpose of seeing what it is like. Therefore there seemed to be no real motivation to experience a particular attraction except for those visiting the Merak Sakteng trek. Visitors mainly pass through the major towns such as Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar. With very less attractions and the lack of air access until December 2012, only few visitors were in favour of spending USD 250 per day for a 2-week trip to the east. They also mentioned that there was very limited information about the destination on websites, guidebooks and other forms of marketing collateral.
Tour operators also validated the fact there are very less interest levels amongst visitors to visit eastern Bhutan generally. While the Merak Sakteng trek has created some excitement and visitors are increasingly visiting the Merak Sakteng area, tour operators mentioned that organizing tours to Merak Sakteng took around 12-15 days which only a few would afford, or prefer to spend. Tour operators also had lesser motivations to market the trek because it was expensive compared to other treks. Additional expenses on transportation from Thimphu to Trashigang, payment for compulsory local services that is of low quality, Park fees etc. were areas that incurred additional costs, which they did not have to pay for other popular treks.
Lack of air accessibility was also cited as a main reason that stymie visitation to the east. Flights to the recently opened domestic sectors of Yongphula and Bathpalathang
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%49% ! were inconsistent this season (March-May) as many flights were cancelled due to bad weather conditions. Air accessibility especially to the TPS circuit (Yongphula) would only be favourable and consistent in autumn and winter (October – March).
19 Transportation&and&Accessibility&
Until 2009 the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway as closed for tourism for security reasons. It was deemed unsafe for visitors to Bhutan to enter or exit through the bordering Indian state of Assam due to cross-border tensions from Indian separatists, resulting from the aftermath of the 2003 military crackdown. Travel and trade had been affected fearing retaliatory offenses from the militant groups with even local travellers using escort services to travel in Assam installed by the Bhutanese armed force. The Ministry of Home and Cultural affairs only opened the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway for tourism in 2009, and tourist visitation have been increasing. However the image of Samdrup Jongkhar as a tourist destination has been tarnished and visitors still feel uncomfortable to visit the area. Many local tour operators indicated their hesitation to drive in Assam, as they could not risk anything for their visitors. Most tour operators often transfer their visitors to Guwahati using Indian registered vehicles and taxis from Samdrup Jongkhar. This does not help alleviate the image of the destination as a safe place to travel.
With no air access up until recently, visitors traveling through Samdrup Jongkhar indicated that the main motivation to travel to Guwahati is to board the plane and fly to Delhi or cities in India. North East India as a whole is not seen as a preferred choice of destination for those who visit Bhutan (although a detailed study needs to be carried out). Therefore, this is an opportunity for Yongphula domestic sector as many visitors to the TPS circuit prefer to enter and exit Bhutan by air, rather than take the road to Guwahati which requires additional hassle to get Indian visas irrespective of whether they want to combine their holiday with India. This however means the air services have to be consistent.
Political, ethnic and trade related tensions in Assam often results in frequent strikes and unrest and as a result affects travel for both locals and visitors. Visitors are sometimes stranded in Assam, or in Samdrup Jongkhar as a result of unannounced strikes and demonstrations in Assam, and Bhutan’s visa policy, which issues visas for definite days, does not make it easy for last minute customization.
Air access has however been improved recently with the opening of dedicated domestic flights to Yongphula and Bathpalathang airport. Drukair operates one flight per week to Bathpalathang and Yongphula airport with the ATR 42-500 aircraft. The aircraft can carry 25 passengers while operating on domestic sectors. The sectors will be used
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%50% ! increasingly to enter and exit the TPS circuit, and thereby avert travelling to Guwahati for transit purposes. However, the tourist traffic for domestic sectors is negligible at the moment given the relatively high fares for domestic flights, coupled with limited attractions in eastern Bhutan. Drukair officials mentioned that the fares would be less costly if there are more passengers using the domestic flight services.
Inland transportation facilities are good as major towns and villages in the TPS circuit are connected with roads. However, many roads connecting rural areas with potential attractions need blacktopping for tourism to be feasible. Appendix 2 gives the inventory of all roads in the circuit.
Road signage in the TPS circuit can been seen only along the national highways and the Merak Sakteng trek. With the implementation of the Community-based tourism Project in SWS, signage has been placed within SWS. NRED has plans to implement a signage system that is universal for all parks and protected areas in Bhutan, especially at ecotourism sites.
20 Accommodation&
Currently there are very limited quality hotels in the TPS circuit. There are a total of 142 rooms offering a total of 294 beds per night. Most of these hotels cater to domestic and regional visitors and only a few of them are used for international leisure visitors. According to the pricing policy, international visitors who pay the minimum tariff should be given a minimum of a 3-star category hotel. Since there were no 3-star hotels in the entire TPS circuit until recently, visitors were kept at 2-star and less ratings which impacted visitor satisfaction levels, and as a result have led to poor image quality for the destination.
However there are new hotels being constructed as investors are gradually beginning to tap into the tourism market. A recently opened 3-star hotel in Trashigang is expected to increase the quality of accommodation services in the circuit. A 15-room luxury FDI property by Zinc Hospitality from South Africa is also in the pipeline and will boost the image of the circuit in the future. Some hotels are also being upgraded to 3-star rating as the Govt. has been providing reinvestment fiscal incentives to encourage accommodations providers to upgrade their properties to at least a 3-star category.
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Table 13 - Accommodation in the TPS circuit
Dzongkhag! Name(of(Hotel( Rooms( Beds( Star(Rating(
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%51% ! Trashigang Lenkhar Resort 12 24 3*
Trashigang Kyidling G/ H 11 22 2*G
Trashigang Druk Deotjung Hotel 15 30 1*
Trashigang Hotel Karmaling 11 22 1*G
S/Jongkhar Hotel Mountain 10 20 2*
S/Jongkhar Tashi Longched Trokhang Hotel 18 36 2*
S/Jongkhar Hotel Menjong(being upgraded) 13 36 1*
S/Jongkhar Hotel Friends 13 26 1*
S/Jongkhar Tashi Gatshel Hotel 11 22 No rating
Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag Guesthouse 13 26 No rating
Pema Gatshel Dungsam Resort 5 10 No rating
Pema Gatshel Gakichholing 10 20 No rating
Total 142 294
Trashigang Druk Doetjung 53 106 Under Construction
Trashigang Zinc Hospitality 15 30 To be constructed (2015)
Samdrup Jongkhar Norbu Tshering’s hotel 16 32 Under Construction
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Occupancy rate is the proportion of beds occupied by visitors out of the total number of beds on supply. Dzongkhag-wise occupancy rates in 2012 illustrates that Samdrup Jongkhar recorded the minimum occupancy rates with only 4.84%. This however is only for the international leisure segment and in reality the occupancy rates are much higher as hotels in Samdrup Jongkhar mainly cater to domestic, and regional visitors. Low occupancy is also partly attributed to the fact that Samdrup Jongkhar practically does not have any attractions and as a result visitors often bypass it preferring to spend the night elsewhere (mostly Guwahati, or Trashigang). This also explains why some hotels in Samdrup Jongkhar are not motivated to register their properties according to the Star Classification System of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, much less upgrade it.
Trashigang recorded an annual occupancy rate of 13.97% for international leisure visitors only. Like Samdrup Jongkhar, hotels in Trashigang also cater to domestic and regional markets to sustain their businesses. Visitors to Pema Gatshel can use the
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%52% ! Dzongkhag Guesthouse if other visiting officials have not occupied it. There are 2 other unregistered small hotels in Pema Gatshel.
Table 14 - Dzongkhag wise Occupancy for international leisure visitors in 2012
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Available Available Annual Annual Bed Total Total Bed Bed Occupancy Dzongkhag Nights Rooms Beds Nights in Nights Rate in per a Year Realised 2012 Month Paro 873 1,750 52,500 630,000 99,148 15.74% Thimphu 729 1,458 43,740 524,880 74,915 14.27 Bumthang 440 853 25,590 307,080 29,001 9.44% Punakha 149 294 8,820 105,840 48,393 45.72% Wangdue 138 271 8,130 97,560 19,270 19.75% Trongsa 110 216 6,480 77,760 8,537 10.98% Chhukha/PPhodrang -Ling 121 236 7,080 84,960 5,552 6.53% Trashigang 49 98 2,940 35,280 4,930 13.97% Monggar 58 114 3420 41,040 3,250 7.92% Haa 28 56 1,680 20,160 4,013 19.91% Samdrup 54 118 3,540 42,480 2,058 4.84% JongkharTotal 2,749 5,464 163,920 1,967,040
! 21 Existing&Tourism&Products&
Bhutan is known for its cultural and natural assets. Tourism attractions such as the unique living culture, festivals and built heritage are age-old traditions and heritage that have cultural and religious significance to Bhutanese people. Likewise, treks and hiking trails that are popular tourism attractions, were also used in the olden days, or is still used by nomads and rural people where road access have not reached.
However, that approach cannot be applied for the TPS circuit, as other factors do not make it a preferred destination, albeit a plethora of cultural and natural attractions. The government needs to create special attractions and market them rigorously in order to attract visitors to less-touristic areas and also ensure that tourism benefits more people, especially in the communities. Realizing the potential of tourism to revive dying traditions and foster community pride by creating economic opportunities, the Royal Government of Bhutan adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to develop specific tourism products to attract visitors to lesser-visited parts of the country. Public and TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%53% ! private tourism stakeholders including the communities at the destination level adopted the Community-based tourism (CBT) approach in feasible sites, to respond to their respective needs for economic opportunities, conservation and product diversification. These new products are developed in a sustainable manner by creating the right infrastructure and a management plan. The same approach was used for the TPS sector by developing the Merak-Sakteng CBT trek in 2009. The trek passes through the nomadic villages of Merak Sakteng and visitors have the opportunity to interact closely with residents to experience local life. In 2012, some 120 visitors undertook the trek making it one of the most frequented treks in 2012. The project site was mainly selected in order to boost tourist arrivals in eastern Bhutan. Whilst it may have contributed to increased arrivals in the east, it recorded a slight decrease in 2012 and has not performed according to expectations.
Majority of the visitors however visit the circuit mainly on a cultural sightseeing tour connecting Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar. Activities include visiting Dzongs, day- trips from Trashigang to Gom Kora in Trashi Yangtse, and a day-visit to Rangjung village to visit the Woeselchholing monastery. Very few also visit Radhi village to see local textiles. Trashigang and Pema Gatshel Tsechus are not marketed and therefore receive very few visitors. This implies that there are very few attractions in the TPS circuit at present.
Table 15 - Merak Sakteng Trek Ranking
Percentage No. of Percentage Name of the Trek Change from Trekkers Total Previous Year
Drukpath Trek 867 27.39% -11.26%
Jomolhari Trek 780 24.64% +4.70%
Laya Gasa Trek 274 8.66% 0.00%
Bumthang Cultural trek 268 8.47% +11.20%
Sagala Trek 147 4.64% +40.00%
Merak Sakteng Trek 120 3.79% -13.04%
Gangtey Trek 115 3.63% -28.13%
Snowman Trek 113 3.57% +2.73%
Samtengang Winter 100 3.16% -15.25%
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%54% ! Trek
Dagala Thousand 94 2.97% -12.96% Lakes Trek
Chelela Trek 68 2.15% -16.05%
Sinchula Trek 43 1.36% -51.69%
Bumthang Owl Trek 38 1.20% -59.14%
Nub-Tshona Pata Trek 34 1.07% +9.68%
Punakha Winter Trek 24 0.76% -4.00%
Dongla Trek 23 0.73% +283.33%
Gangkhar Phuensum 19 0.60% -9.52% Trek
Nabji Korphu Trek 17 0.54% -56.41%
Masagang Trek 10 0.32% -28.57%
Dur Hot Spring Trek 5 0.16% -61.54%
Wild East Rodungla 4 0.13% -63.64% Trek
Royal Manas Trek 2 0.06% -11.26%
Total 3,165 +4.70%
22 Tourism&Policy&and&Regulatory&Framework&
Whilst there is a National Tourism Policy and a master plan that serves as a strategic guideline for tourism development in the country, it lacks a clear vision that outlines specific tourism development targets at the circuit/regional, Dzongkhag and Gewog level.Currently there are only executive governing bylaws for specific tourism products, for example the Merak and Sakteng trek at the destination level. The Dzongkhags do not have a Dzongkhag Tourism Officer and the Dzongkhag Planning Officer is expected to coordinate any tourism related development if need be. Given that the TPS circuit receives very little visitors and very limited benefits therein, the 10th FYP in the 3 Dzongkhags did not include any tourism activities, as it is not a priority sector. However,
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%55% ! Trashigang has proposed a few ecotourism activities in the 11th FYP. A close perusal of the 11th FYP document shows that development related activities in the circuit are mainly concentrated on agriculture, forestry and health sectors.
With increasing visitor arrivals in the country, the Tourism Council of Bhutan recognizes the need to decentralize tourism planning and management at the destination level. Towards this end, circuits have been formed at lesser-visited areas in order to offer a greater value-proposition by combining attractions and creating itineraries with a stronger pull factor. Planning and management will be at the circuit level as opposed to having Dzongkhag-specific tourism plans.
23 Human&Resource&Development&for&Suppliers&
There is a large demand for skilled workers in the hospitality sector in the TPS circuit, but skilled workers do not want to work in eastern Bhutan. Interviews with tourism suppliers in the TPS circuit showed that not even a single hospitality staff in the entire TPS circuit has undergone tourism related training. Hotels and restaurants expressed difficulty attracting trained or skilled workers, as those who had availed trainings prefer to work in urban towns in western Bhutan or more touristic areas in central Bhutan. Whilst hotels and restaurants in Trashigang and Pema Gatshel employed unskilled national staff and provided basic in-house trainings, majority of the tourism workforce in Samdrup Jongkhar were of Indian nationalities.
Visitors to the Merak and Sakteng Community-based tourism trek has to use the compulsory services of a local village guide and a village cook. The Tourism Council of Bhutan provided short trainings for these community service providers but a recent assessment indicated that local community services are poor and of sub-standard quality. As a result tour operators have been apprehensive about paying for these services.Except for Merak and Sakteng, there are no local guides specialized for the TPS circuit.
There are no tour agents, car rentals, guides etc. operating and specializing within the TPS circuit. They are based in Thimphu, Paro and other nearby Dzongkhags. Many tour operators sell a standard eastern Bhutan package entering or exiting from Samdrup Jongkhar, and a few offer Merak Sakteng trek. Only a handful of them organize tours to Pema Gatshel. Attractions are mainly limited to the main towns as no proper hiking and other day-activities are on offer.
Capacity building in the TPS circuit is critical and the new proposed Human Resource Development Master-plan for the industry that is being implemented by TCB should
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%56% ! include a framework for trainings in the circuit.
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24 Inter^Agency&Cooperation&and&Coordination&
The need to cooperate between agencies responsible for tourism development and marketing is not new. However, implementing the dictum is relatively a new experience in Bhutan. Coordinated multi-stakeholder partnerships only started as recent as the piloted CBT initiative in Nabji Korphu in 2005. The approach was used in the development of Merak and Sakteng trek.The Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division under the DoFPS has jurisdiction over the Protected Areas and Biological Corridors in the country. Whilst it is generally agreed by both parties that TCB’s role is more on the policy, strategy and regulations, the product development and management should be done at the destination level by the respective Dzongkhag/circuit administration, guided by TCB and NRED. In absence of a clear strategic framework for partnership and collaboration at the national level, tourism planning and development is done without standard guidelines and TCB often channels the finances directly to the Dzongkhag administration and the communities.
Given the lack of clear working modalities for tourism development combined with the general lack of tourism awareness amongst DA staff, tourism is often uncoordinated at the Dzongkhag level. This is furthermore aggravated by the absence of a Dzongkhag Tourism Officer, and other sectors in the Dzongkhag are confused as to which specific sector should take the lead.
25 Financial&Services&
There are currently 3 banks – Bhutan National Bank, Bhutan Development Bank and Bank of Bhutan - offering financial services to residents and businesses in the TPS sector. There are ATM counters in the town area of the 3 Dzongkhags in the TPS circuit. Another service that can be readily installed by businesses is the point-of-sale machines, which accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. However, local suppliers such as hoteliers and restaurants indicated that the POS service was not required given that most local tour operators do not carry credit and debit cards to make payments for tourism services. As a result of the Rupee crisis and freezing of loans momentarily, new businesses in the sectorhave no access to credit and do notfacilitate small initiatives / innovations in the industry.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%57% ! 26 Security&and&Tourism&Safety&
Bhutan has been known to the world as one of the safest destination for tourists. However, since the military crackdown in 2003, security had been an issue in the TPS circuit. Until 2009 the only gateway in eastern Bhutan – Samdrup Jongkhar – was closed for tourism for security reasons. It was deemed unsafe for tourists to enter or exit through the bordering Indian state of Assam due to cross-border tensions from Indian separatists, resulting from the aftermath of the 2003 military crackdown. The “Operations-All-Clear” was launched in December 2003 by the Royal Bhutan Army to flush out Indian militant groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam(ULFA) the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO), who had clandestinely settled inside the TPS circuit (mainly Samdrup Jongkhar) since the 1990s. Travel and trade had been affected fearing retaliatory offenses from the militant groups with even local travellers using armed escort services to travel in Assam. The government only opened the Samdrup Jongkhar gateway for tourism in 2009, and tourist visitation has been increasing. However the image of Samdrup Jongkhar as a tourist gateway has been tarnished and visitors still feel uncomfortable to visit the area. Local tour operators indicated their hesitation to drive in Assam, as they could not risk anything for their visitors. Tour operators often transfer their visitors to Guwahati using Indian registered vehicles and taxis from Samdrup Jongkhar. Even though there has never been any casualty of any sort, this does not help alleviate the image of the destination as a safe place to travel.
Forestry and armed personnel along the border indicated that it is completely safe to travel inside the country, as there is no presence of rebel militants in Bhutan, and there is tight security by both Indian army and the Royal Bhutan Army on the Samdrup Jongkhar side. Albeit the tight security along the southern border in Samdrup Jongkhar, the area bordering Arunachal Pradesh on the eastern side of Trashigang is still porous and prone to poachers. The potential for Merak – Lauri trek is stalled fearing security threats from armed poachers from across the border. The trail passes through the dense forests of SWS and KWS without any settlements, and exits in Lauri in Samdrup Jongkhar.
The ‘Negative list’ for places restricted for tourist visitation states that visitors are not allowed outside the Municipality boundaries of Samdrup Jongkhar. This however needs to be amended to implemented the product development proposed in this report.
CHAPTER&3&–&PRODUCT&DEVELOPMENT&STRATEGY&
This chapter will produce a Product Development Plan for the TPS circuit representing the set of frameworks thatmake up the core strategy document. The preceding
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%58% ! situational analysis in chapter 1 and 2 provides the contextual background within which tourism development is to take place. The situational analysis summarized the current status of the TPS circuit’s biophysical environment; land use, socio-demographic profiles, economic profile and the current situation of tourism.
Destination appraisal was carried out in detail in a series of meetings with the 3 Dzongkhags followed by physical appraisal of potential products and community meetings by visiting the sites. First, a meeting was held at the national level with representatives from the 3 Dzongkhags in the circuit. The team conducted a diagnostic study on the destination outlining the opportunities for tourism growth in TPSby reflecting the main issues and constraints to be overcome. The meeting also resulted in listing potential new attractions within the 3 Dzongkhags and how it can be packaged and marketed for tourism. Then a physical appraisal on the shortlisted products was conducted together with officials from the Dzongkhags, Gewogs and community representatives.
27 SWOT&Analysis&for&the&TPS&Circuit&
Strengths: Weaknesses:
• Merak Sakteng Trek • Lack of an integrated tourism • Strong political will and interest in development plan tourism activities at the Dzongkhag • Lack of Accommodation in all three level Dzongkhags • Unique activities and attractions • Limited air-access (suitable only for such as feasibility of canopy walks, winter) game fishing and bird watching and • Poor quality of services and standard wildlife tours, Dung and Jaling of accommodation and restaurants making, textiles etc. offered in the Dzongkhag • Lotus Valley Trek (proposed) • Security issues beyond the border • Good possibility for regional (outside Bhutan) markets • Lack of tourism planning and • Salk Route Trek awareness at the Dzongkhag level • Upcoming hotels. • Lack of coordination amongst • Unique experiences such as Dung stakeholders for tourism purposes and Jaling making, Cotton and Bura • No rest points along the road Textiles in Thongsar and Radhi • Limited POS and ATM facilities • Good heritage homes in • No Signage Rongthong, Radhi, Khaling and • No souvenir shops along the road Kanglung • Poor destination image • Hospitable Communities TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%59% ! • Good for Winter • Limited attractions • Pema Gatshel to Nganglam through • Poor waster management especially Manas in Pema Gatshel • No security issues inside Bhutan • Heavy rainfall in summer • Good labour force • No day activities. • Unexplored river systems • Local tour operators do not want to • Good infrastructure such as wide travel to India. highway (almost completed), good • Less tourism superstructures such as farm roads, mobile, electricity information counters, cafeterias, coverage etc. roadside comfort rooms etc. • Low interest for skills labour to be based in the circuit causing rural- urban migration.
Opportunities: Threats:
• Farmhouse stays • Security problem across the border • Could be a preferred destination for • Frequent strikes in Assam results in domestic and regional visitors cancellation of bookings, tourists • Trans-boundary trek from Sakteng being stranded. to Tawang • General belief that aviation facilities • Sale of local products are not up to the standard. • Promotion of culture and revival of • Less visibility for planes to land and lost cultural practices takeoff during spring and summer • Accommodation sector causes inconsistencies with flight improvements schedules • Spread of tourism benefits towards • Wildlife attacks along the Mongling to poverty reduction Radhing campsite on the Salt Route • Revival of ancient trek routes trek. • Overall development of eastern • Dzongkhags • Product diversification • Seasonality alleviation • Old archeological sites can be converted to rural lifestyles themed museums. • Feasible to be branded as a “must- see” destination especially for winter.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%60% ! 28 TPS&Vision&
The purpose of planning for destination development is to guide the process of building a destination in a responsible manner that is ultimately successful in showcasing key attractions, providing a memorable visitor experience and attracting the desired volumes of visitors that will result in positive socio economic impacts in the destination. Therefore it is essential to create a vision that not only serves as marketing tool, but represents the destination in an authentic manner. For example the TPS circuit should not be associated with the elusive Yeti even though SWS is believed to be its habitat.
TPS circuit must create a strong brand that is aligned to its Unique Selling Propositions (USPs). This will allow the destination to position itself and its unique product offering in relation to other popular destinations of western and central Bhutan in the minds of both domestic, regional andinternational target markets.Having a vision will enable both public and private sector stakeholders to use it as a tool to communicate a consistent message about the circuit and to guide the design of marketing material in support of this message.
While cultural products will continue to be on offer, the circuit should be developed and promoted as a unique destination to attract niche markets. It is very important that the circuit capitalizes on its USPs in order to make it attractive for those visitors looking for an alternative experience in Bhutan besides culture.
Based on the appraisal findings and recommendations from the Dzongkhags, the USPs for the TPS circuits are as follows;
! Ideal as a winter destination– The geographical setting characterized by broadleaved and sub-tropical forests, its altitude and temperature levels etc. make the TPS circuit more favourable as a winter destination. This is a strong USP given that Bhutan is not associated as a winter (December – February) destination given the limited winter destinations and visitor’s perception that Bhutan is too cold to visit during winter. This is also supported by the fact that air access to Yongphula will only be consistent in autumn and winter due to favourable weather conditions.
! Rural Tourism/Off the beaten path – The TPS circuit provides excellent opportunities to experience rural tourism and off-the-beaten-path experiences which many visitors associate Bhutan with. This is validated by the feedback collected through exit surveys with increasing number of visitors indicating that the usual hotspots of western and central Bhutan are getting urbanized, crowded and losing its charm as the “last Shangrila on earth” – a tagline which Bhutan is associated with. TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%61% !
! Ecotourism – a total of 3 national parks connected with biological corridors characterize the circuit. This makes it ideal for nature-based tourism such as wildlife safaris, flora and fauna, bird watching tours etc.
! Adventure tourism – the unexplored river systems of Dangme Chhu and Ngeri Ama Chhu make it ideal for river activities such as rafting, kayaking, river safaris, game fishing etc.
! Arts and Crafts – The circuit is known for some of the most unique arts and crafts products such as Dung and Jaling (religious musical instruments) produced in Khar, Pema Gatshel that is famous throughout the country, Bura (raw silk) textiles from Radhi, and Cotton Textiles from Chongshing Borang in Pema Gatshel etc.
Therefore it is proposed that the name of the TPS circuit should be called as the “Rural Ecotourism Circuit”.
Vision&Statement& Based on the proposed name for the TPS circuit is, the vision statement is proposed as:
“ To promote a unique ecotourism experience within a rural context to position it as a “Must See” winter destination in Bhutan”.
29 Key&Tourism&Products&
The TPS circuit’s success as a destination for tourists is largely dependent on the quality and diversity of its product range and the experiences it offers to visitors. In this regard there is a requirement for new product development and expansion or improvement of the existing product offering. Significant investment and efforts will be required to develop unique quality tourism products, services and the corresponding infrastructures.
While a rich inventory of attractions has been recorded in the TPS sector (Appendix 1), a few with the maximum potential were shortlisted as priority products to be developed in the circuit as listed below;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%62% ! Summary&of&shortlisted&products&that&needs&development:&
Dzongkhag( Name!of!Attraction! Type!of! Status! Best!Time! Priority! Experience! to!Visit! Level!
Trashigang Merak Sakteng Community-based, Completed March- High Community-based trek cultural trek, rural (Being May. lifestyles and farm expanded for houses, flora and Agro-tourism) Sept - fauna, bird Nov watching agro- tourism
Trashigang, Salt Route Trek Nature trek, off- On-going (to be Sept- High P/Gatshel, the-beaten path, launched) May S/Jongkhar historic (ideal for winter)
Pema Lotus Valley Trek Rural lifestyles, Feasibility Septemb High Gatshel wildlife, arts and done, high er – April. crafts, nature and Potential (ideal for bird watching, winter) festival trek
Trashigang Dangling Tsho Trek Nature-based trek Variation of March- Medium Merak Sakteng May. Trek Sept - Nov
Trashigang Chenla Trek Nature-based trek Feasibility March- Low done, May. strenuous trek and low Sept - potential Nov
Trashigang- Sakteng –Tawang Trans- Nomadic culture, Physical March- Medium Arunachal boundary Trek nature-based and feasibility but May, Pradesh trans-boundary bi-lateral sept- (India) experience discussions Novembe required r
Trashigang Kangpara – Bidingphu Rural lifestyles, Feasibility done All year High Village Tour pleasant trek, and high round
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%63% ! potential
Samdrup Eco-hike and Canopy Nature, wildlife, High potential if All year High Jongkhar Walk from Samdrup dayhike, ecologically round Jongkhar town to butterflies, bird feasible Deothang watching
Samdrup Bird watching from Bird watching, Feasibility on All year High Jongkhar Deothang to rural tourism, birds inventory round Phuntshothang (Bangtar) Daytrip need to be on Bikes/Car done
Samdrup Game fishing from Sport Fishing Good fishing All year High Jongkhar Gomdar to (catch and spot according round Phuntshothang stretch in release), to locals, Ngeri Amachhu river adventure, rural feasibility tourism needs to be done
Trashigang Farmhouse and village Rural tourism, Feasible and of All year High tours in Khaling and culture, textiles high potential round Rongthong, Kanglung
Trashigang/ Merak-Lauri Trek Nature based Security Spring- Medium Samdrup activities such as concerns with winter Jongkhar wildlife, bird poachers and watching, wild have to exit flowers, butterflies from the India.
Trashigang- Multi-day white water Adventure, Detailed Autumn High Pema rafting on Dangme Chhu ecotourism feasibility to be to Spring Gatshel to Manas with conducted by combination of Mahaseer local tour Game fishing tours. operators say it is possible
Pema Mikuri-Nganglam Trekking, rural Suspension Autumn – Medium Gatshel Mandarin Trek tours, wildlife, bird bridge needed spring (to watching, coincide butterflies with mandarin season)
Pema Elephant Safaris Wildlife Tourism Detailed Autumn Medium Gatshel(RM feasibility to Spring (more NP) required on the Manas
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%64% ! circuit)
Pema Biking and Birdwatching Bird watching, Road under Autumn Medium Gatshel/ along Tsebar – Mikuri adventure construction, to Spring farmroad need to be asphalt roads
Pema River Cruises on Manas Adventure, wildlife Detailed All year Medium Gatshel/Zhe River safari, cruise, feasibility round (more mgang required (feasibility on the (RMNP) need to Manas be done) circuit)
Samdrup Zipline adventures Adventure Detailed - Medium Jongkhar feasibility required.
\Big regional market
SHORTLISTED&FESTIVALS& Pema Dungkhar Tsechu Festival tour, Feasibility March High Gatshel hiking, rural done, high tourism potential
Pema Pema Gatshel Tsechu Festival, cultural Ready to be From 13th High Gatshel sightseeing packaged and – 15th of marketed 11th Month
Trashigang Trashigang Tsechu Festival, cultural Ready to be From 7th – High sightseeing packaged and 11th Day of marketed the 10th Month
Samdrup Samdrup Jongkhar Festival, cultural Ready to be xx High Jongkhar Tsechu sightseeing packaged and marketed
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%65% ! Festival, Culture Ready to be From 13th High Yonphel Phuntsho packaged and -15th of Chojey Ugyen Choling Lhakhang Mask dances marketed the 5th Trashigang/ according to the Peling and 10th Yongphula tradition.also known as month the Kholong Tshechu). Pema Festival, Culture, Event based December- High Gatshel Arts and Crafts festival January Arts and Crafts Festival
OTHER&SHORTLISTED&DAY&ACTIVITIES& Rural villages of Ready to be All year High Pam and packaged and round Rangshikhar, marketed biking, beautiful temple with life- size Buddha statues explaining his life. Dairy Trashigang Bike to Rangshikhar farms Village (40km roundtrip) Arts and crafts, Ready to be September High rural lifestyles, marketed - April textiles, culture Prefer Trip to around Pema and heritage ably Gatshel valley after connecting Tsebar to see black Dung and Jaling toppin (traditional instruments) being made, Cotton fields g of Pema and textile weaving in farm Gatshel Thongsar, Bura weaving roads in Yurung. Fishing Ready to be September High Samdrup Villagers can display demonstration in marketed. - April Jongkhar traditional fishing Nyeri Amachhu, (Gomdar) techniques in Gomdar rural lifestyles village. Meditation and Buddhist Wellness, retreat Ready to be All year High teachings in Choeki marketed round Jatshog Dratsang of Dzongsar Khentse Samdrup Rinpoche, Deothang, Jongkhar Samdrup Jongkhar. (Deothang)
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%66% ! Interactive classroom Student trips. Ready to be All year High sessions with students Cultural exchange marketed round and teachers in Kanglung college. Trashigang (Kanglung)
Day Trips to Bidung Biking, Cultural, Ready to be All year High Trashigang village Rural marketed round
Trashigang Biking from Trashigang Biking, Cultural Ready to be October – High (Radhi, to Phongmey and back marketed April Phongmey) (70 km) roundabout.
Trashigang Textile Ready to be October – High (Radhi) Textile tour to Radhi marketed April
Nature park, fly Trail October – High fishing, butterflies maintenance April and rest points Hiking on Liza nature to be Trashigang trail in Khaling. developed
Recommendation& !
! NRED has recently developed an “Ecotourism Strategy” in consultation with stakeholders including TCB. The guidelines suggest how ecotourism products should be developed in a 4-phase development cycle of Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Adaptive Management etc. The Ecotourism Strategy should guide all product development in the TPS circuit wherever applicable.
! While RGOB will be the main investor in tourism infrastructure, private investors should develop tourism amenities wherever possible.
! Managed Campsites are another way in which rural communities can engage in tourism – additional activities should be structured around this opportunity to provide additional livelihoods.Managed campsites should be developed in rural areas, adjacent to but not in the village – the area campsite to be carefully managed, local food to be served and linkages with the local economy to be developed. Lessons learned from the CBT initiatives suggest that managed
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%67% ! campsites are best left with the community themselves. When there is a stable market, residents should be encouraged to invest in joint ventures with an entrepreneur/TCB – a lease fee for the use of the land would be payable to the community – Community Development Fund. The community would be trained for employment in the campsite by the local investor to provide additional income earning opportunities for the community. The terms of these contracts would be overseen by the CTC/DMO of the TPS circuit. Earlier trends shows that full investment in campsites by the government (TCB) do not engender ownership in the communities.
! Even though tourism provides range of activities that rural communities can undertake to create income at the household level, the introduction of tourism should not raise unrealistic expectations for rural communities in the TPS sector.
! Clear bylaws should be formulated and institutionalized by the CTC and the participating communities, clearly outlining code of conduct, standardized rates of services, contact points of key service providers, roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders etc.
!
!
30 Destination&Appraisal&(for&High&Priority&Products&only)& !
30.1 Value^addition&on&Merak&Sakteng&Trek& !
The Merak-Sakteng trek is the only operational trek in the circuit at the moment. Merak- Sakteng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in Bhutan, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which boast a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is a moderate trek (between 1,500m and 4,100m) traversing through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu (3400m), Merak (3500m), Sakteng (2800m), Thakthi (2200m), and Joenkhar (1700m). Tour operators are not mandated to use a particular trail but the most common trail usually TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%68% ! begins from Chaling and ends in Phongmey. The trek provides excellent opportunities to experience Community-based and agro-tourism experiences combined with the unique nomadic culture of the Brokpa people. Visitors have the option to stay in designated campsites or farmhouses.
The Merak Sakteng Trek should be promoted as the main tourism product given its strong attraction and readiness of the product for visitors. The Merak-Sakteng Community-based trek is being enhanced to value-add agro-tourism experiences combined with the existing community-based activities. With committed funding from IFAD and RGoB, the agro-tourism project will build on the existing infrastructure and help local residents to upgrade their homes into farmhouses suitable for visitor accommodation. Visitors will have the option to stay in a farmhouse and experience rural lifestyles, or in designated campsites. Agro-tourism is found to be highly feasible in the area given the nomadic lifestyles of the people in the area and visitors can experience activities such as greenhouse farming practices, yak milking, butter churning, local fermented cheese (Yitpa) and Gouda cheese processing, weaving etc.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%69% ! Figure 22 - Overview of the Merak Sakteng Trek
! The project adopted a ‘participatory management’ approach that enabled the building of partnerships between major stakeholders; TCB, Dzongkhag Administration, SWS (NRED), ABTO and the local communities. It was based on a decentralized planning process that involved the communities in decision making from the start. After the completion of infrastructure development, TCB handed over the responsibility of managing the project to the Gewog Administration. The local governance in consultation with the residents in the communities instituted an operational framework and a tourism management committee in each village manages the CBT project.
The ‘Executive Governing Body of Merak-Sakteng Community-based Ecotourism’ is responsible for the management of the trek and ensure that tourism activities are in keeping with the clauses of the bylaws and will monitor the tourism project.All parties - TCB, NRED, Gewog Administration, SWS and local tourism committee in the field are signatories with the commitment to uphold their responsibilities and ensure the smooth running of the tourism initiative.
Product&Appraisal&Merak&Sakteng&Trek&
A.&Vision& To!be!the!flagship!tourism!product!in!the!TPS!circuit!and!an! exemplary!community)based!agro)tourism!experience!in! Bhutan!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%70% ! B.&Attractions&&
Nature^based& Rhododendrons,!orchids,!cane,!juniper!forests,!rich!flora,! fauna!and!Avi)fauna!such!as!Red!Panda,!Monal!Pheasant,! Goral,!Serow,!Blackbear!etc.!
Cultural&Attractions& Unique!nomadic!lifestyles!of!the!Brokpas,!Festivals!such!as! Tercham,!Choekhor,!village!monasteries!
Existing&literature&on&Biodiversity& Comprehensive!research!done!on!flora!and!fauna!
Existing&literature&on&Cultural&Assets& Limited!and!not!done!for!tourism!marketing!purposes!
Type&of&Experience& Trekking,!Culture,!Festivals,!Farmhouse!stays,!agro!tourism!
Entrance&Fees& Park!Fees!required!(Nu.!1000!per!visitor)!
!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness&of&the&People& Very!friendly!communities.!However!Tour!operators!have! complained!that!people!do!not!work!according!to! standardized!fees.!
Environmental&Protection& Under!SWS!Park!Management!
Weather&conditions& Favourable!between!5)!20!degree!Celsius!
Cleanliness&and&Waste&Management& Good!waste!management!practices!with!disposal!pits.!No! recycling!plant.!
Community&Relations& Excellent!
Attitude&of&communities& Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism.!!
Hygiene&and&Sanitation& Toilets!at!campsites.!Farmhouses!will!!
Local&capacity&and&skills& Poor!quality.!Needs!training!for!skills!development!
Forest&Quality& Excellent!
Drinking&water& Abundant!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%71% ! Noise&and&Air&Pollution& None!
!
Local&Beliefs&that&affect&tourism& None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air&access& Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula!
Road&Access& New!roadways!till!Joenkhar,!Chepling!and!Thakthik!
!
Public&Transport& No!
Signage& Good!signage!and!accessibility.!New!roadways!to!Merak,! Thakthik!and!Joenkhar!to!enhance!accessibility!!
Accommodation& Campsites!with!kitchens!and!toilets,!farmhouses,!1! guesthouse!in!Rangjung!
Condition&of&the&trek& In!excellent!condition!
Best&time&for&visitation& March!to!May,!September!)!December&
E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination&Management&Organization& Various!tourism!committees!such!as!campsite!management,! Porter/pony!management,!Community!Development!Fund! Committees!formed.!The!Executive!Governing!Body!of!the! Merak!Sakteng!Trek!governs!the!trek.!
Rules&and&Regulations& Bylaws!to!ensure!tourism!delivery!institutionalized.!
Standardized&pricing&of&services& Standard!pricing!for!services!formed.!!
F.&Marketing&&
Packaging&and&itinerary&description& Yes!
&
Independent&website& No!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%72% ! Branding& Yes!
Visitor&Surveys& No!
Pamphlets&and&Brochures& Yes!
Recommendations
1. A recent assessment showed that the Merak Sakteng Trek needs capacity development for community service providers. While the budget can be utilized from the IFAD funding to develop the trek into an Agro-tourism project, the curriculum should focus on certifying trekking cooks, local guides, book keeping trainings, farmhouse management etc.
2. The two most popular festivals – the Terchham (once in every 3 years in June) and Jomokora (every year in September) along the Merak Sakteng Trek should be packaged and marketed. The Terchham is similar to the Jambay Lhakhang Drub in Bumthang, which is a popular festival amongst tourists, and features the famous naked dance (Terchham) and the fire blessing ceremony (Maewang).
3. With new roadways intersecting the trekking trail, the trek maybe optionally shortened to combine it with biking experiences.
4. It is proposed that two information counters should be developed preferably one each in Merak and Sakteng campsite.The information counters should have storyboards about the various agro-tourism productsthat could be availed in the respective villages, on wildlife and historical significance etc. This would inform a visitor of the possibilities and enable them to choose experiences of their choice even if the tour operator intends to skip it. As experienced so far, visitors do not even visit temples or pass through villages because some tour operators do not want to incur additional expenses for community services. The storyboards should also explain how their participation in various agro-tourism products would help the community.
5. Several garbage pits have been installed along the trek. The facility has been utilized well and littering has been curbed to a certain extend but the pits are intended for biodegradable waste. No waste separation is being carried out. Tour operators organizing trips to Merak-Sakteng are required to bring back non-degradable waste. An absence of an incinerator and a recycling plant in the whole of Trashigang Dzongkhag does not encourage tour groups to bring back their waste. Therefore a recycling plant is
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%73% ! proposed at Rangjung, which can be used by the entire settlement in the vicinity. To reduce the use of plastic bottles, water purifiers should be installed at campsites to promote green tourism.
6. Farmhouses and greenhouse experiences should be developed that promotes more agro-tourism experiences.
7. Any tourism development activity in Merak and Sakteng should be funded by the Agro- tourism component of the Market Access and Growth Intensification Project as IFAD has committed financial assistance of Nu. 14 million for the project.
8. Tour Operators complain that the operating costs for Merak Sakteng is high given the transportation costs from Thimphu to Trashigang, and also having to pay for compulsory community services that is of low quality, and the Park Fees of Nu. 1000 per visitor. It is proposed that the Park fees should be revoked in order to attract more visitors to the circuit and given that visitors to Bhutan pay high tariffs and visa fees. Service quality of the community service providers need to be improved.
30.2 The&Salt&Route&Trek&
The Salk Route Trek has been surveyed and minor trail maintenance has been carried out. It is the only trek that connects the 3 Dzongkhags of Trashigang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar, therefore effectively functioning like a cluster or a circuit. In the olden days, the route served a trade conduit for people in eastern Bhutan to bring salt, raw silk and other commodities from the border towns of Samdrup Jongkhar and Assam.
It is a 5-day trek through broadleaved and chirpine forests. The trek starts from Cheya near Khentongmani in Trashigang and ends in Nelang in Samdrup Jongkhar. The biodiversity along the trek is rich, making it ideal for flora, fauna and avi-fauna enthusiasts. Leopards, elephants, wild boar, barking deer, jackals and monkeys are dominant in these areas.The best time to trek through this route would be in spring, autumn and winter. It is a nature based trek.
Unlike the Merak Sakteng trek, which involved a multi-stakeholder approach, this trek was developed by TCB by involving Trashigang DA. Work involved only creating camping grounds and minor trail maintenance works which was outsourced to a private contractor by the Trashigang DA. The other two Dzongkhags were not involved and as a result a clear framework for tourism management is not institutionalized. The trek is yet to be officially opened for tourism.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%74% ! Table 16 - Overview of the Salk Route Trek
DAY Starting Point Campsite/Night halt Hours/Distance Lunch Point
1. Trashigang Cheya 3 Hours Drive -
2. Cheya Denchung 5 Hours Walk Liza
3. Denchung Demrizam 5 Hours Walk Tshatshi
4. Demrizam Mongling 5 Hours Walk Thongphaynang
5. Mongling Radhingphu 5 Hours Walk Dotek
6. Radhingphu Nelang/Samdrupjongkhar 5 Hours Walk Duri
7. Samdrupjongkhar Youngphula/Trashigang 2 Hours Drive -
Product&Appraisal&Salk&Route&Trek&
A.&Vision& To!revive!the!historic!route!as!a!winter!trek!with!nature) based!themes.!
B.&Attractions&&
Nature^based& Broadleaved,!chirpine!and!sub)tropical!forests.!Rich!flora! and!fauna!with!presence!of!Royal!Bengal!tigers,!leopards,! elephants,!gorals,!serow!etc.!
Cultural&Attractions& Yongla!Goemba!and!other!village!temples!
Existing&literature&on&Biodiversity& No!Comprehensive!Biodiversity!study!
Existing&literature&on&Cultural&Assets& No!Comprehensive!Biodiversity!study!
Type&of&Experience& Nature)based!trekking,!rural!tourism,!Off!the!beaten!path! experience,!!
Entrance&Fees& No!entrance!fees!required!
!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness&of&the&People& Very!friendly!communities!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%75% ! Environmental&Protection& Under!respective!Dzongkhag!Forestry!Sector!
Weather&conditions& Favourable!between!15)!30!degree!Celsius!(ideal!for! winter)!
Cleanliness&and&Waste&Management& Garbage!disposal!pits!dug!out,!but!proper!pits!need!to!be! developed!after!visitation!improves!in!a!few!years.!!
Community&Relations& Excellent!
Attitude&of&communities& Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism!
Hygiene&and&Sanitation& No!toilets!built!along!the!trail!!
Local&capacity&and&skills& Poor!quality.!Needs!training!for!skills!development!
Forest&Quality& Excellent!
Drinking&water& Abundant!(some!camping!grounds!need!Improved! (piped)!water!connection.!
Noise&and&Air&Pollution& None!
!
Local&Beliefs&that&affect&tourism& None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air&access& Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula!
Road&Access& Good!road!access!to!start!and!end!points!of!the!trek!
!
Public&Transport& Taxis!available!
Signage& No!signage!along!the!trek!!
Accommodation& Designated!camping!grounds.!
Condition&of&the&trek& In!excellent!condition!(trail!maintenance!carried!our! recently)!
Best&time&for&visitation& September!–!May!(ideal!for!winter)&
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%76% ! E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination&Management&Organization& No!product!management!committees.!Trail!maintenance! mainly!carried!out!by!Trashigang!Dzongkhag.!
Rules&and&Regulations& No!bylaws,!Code!of!Conduct,!Operational!framework!etc.!
Standardized&pricing&of&services& Not!standardized.!!
F.&Marketing&&
Packaging&and&itinerary&description& Yes!
&
Independent&website& No!
Branding& Yes!
Visitor&Surveys& No!
Pamphlets&and&Brochures& Yes!
FAM&Trips&for&Tour&Operators& No!
Media&Awareness& No!
Recommendations
1. The Circuit Tourism Committee should take over the trek and formulate bylaws to operate the trek. The bylaws should specify the responsibilities of different stakeholders, identify horse contractors, formulate standard rates for services etc.
2. While the trail has been recently cleared and maintained by TCB, some additional infrastructure is needed. In particular, a bridge near Radhing campsite (approx. 40 meters) is recommended and will help local commuters from Radhing and Jangchubling. The Tonglingdrang suspension bridge also requires maintenance.
3. There is signage along the trek. Signage should be designed and developed together with NRED as the agency would like to implement a uniform design for signage for all treks in the country. An information counter can also be built at the start of the trek.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%77% ! 4. The trek should be officially launched to create media attention and awareness amongst tour operators. This should be followed by a familiarization trip for interested tour operators to market the trek. Brochures and pamphlets with trekking maps should be developed and distributed to tour operators attending travel fairs. Similarly the new trek should be featured on the official website of TCB, NRED and ABTO.
5. A familiarization trip for tour operators and guides should be organised so that tour operators can start marketing the trek.
6. Community awareness and campaign programs need to be organised to educate local communities on the benefits and the negative impacts of tourism, waste management etc.
7. Guides, especially local guides should be given training in nature-based assets and also train them for precautionary measures while dealing with wildlife conflicts. Some parts of the trail have strong presence of elephants, tiger’s, leopards, wild boars etc.
30.3 The&Lotus&Valley&Trek&
The Lotus Valley Trek is identified as a prime attraction for Pema Gatshel. It is a beautiful trek that is almost entirely walking on the ridge. The first day is characterized through thick virgin forests with strong presence of elephants, Tiger’s, Leopards and fauna before reaching Dungkhar Lhakhang. Then it passes through many villages in Pema Gatshel and connects temples, schools, rural life, arts and crafts, rich avi-fauna with guaranteed sightings of Rufous Hornbills, till it reaches Khengzur village for a night halt. From Khengzur continue to Kharbar village. From here visitors have the choice either to visit Tsebar village where Dungs and Jalings are made, and then continue by farm road to Thongsar to see how villagers make textiles in a traditional way with locally grown cotton. Or, visitors who prefer to trek in natural environment can continue on the trek to Guetsho (a small pond) in the middle of the forest and ideal for camping. The last day passes through Redingla and exits at Khangma. Drive back to Pema Gatshel, or bike till Khar Gewog and then take the car to avoid dust from the Gypsum mines.
The 5-night leisurely paced trek is easy and ideal for visitors to Bhutan. It is easy and replete with a variety of experiences. The entire trek is on ridges surrounding the Pema Gatshel valley and offers great views.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%78% !
Table 17 -Overview of Lotus Valley Trek
DAY Starting Point Campsite/Night halt Hours/Distance Lunch Point
1. Mongling Dungkhar Lhakhang 6 hours/12 kms Nimdosa
2. Dungkhar Khabar 5 hours/10 kms Khenzur Lhakhang
3. Rest day Village tours to Tsebar, By farm road - Mandi and Thongsar
4. Khabar Guetsho 6 hours/12kms Thonphu Zangdopelri
5. Guetsho Khangma 7 hours/15kms Redingla
6. Khangma – Pema Gatshel
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%79% ! Figure 23 - Overview of Lotus Valley Trek
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%80% ! Table 18 - Evidences showing presence of big wildlife
Elephant Dung Deer’s hoof in Tiger’s scats
Elephant’s puddle (dry) Leopard’s scat
Product&Appraisal&Lotus&Valley&Trek&
A.&Vision/Objective& To!be!the!main!attraction!in!Pema!Gatshel!Dzongkhag!
B.&Attractions&&
Nature^based& Broadleaved,!chirpine!forests.!Rich!flora!and!fauna!with! evidences!of!Royal!Bengal!tigers,!leopards,!elephants,! Bear,!boars,!gorals,!serow!etc.!Scats!and!animal!markings! observed!during!the!feasibility.!Guaranteed!sightings!of! Rufous!and!Great!Himalayan!Hornbills.!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%81% ! Cultural&Attractions& Yongla!Goemba,!Dungkhar!Lhakhang,!Khabar!Goemba,! Thonphu!Lhakhang,!Khangma!Chorten,!Dung!and!Jaling! making!in!Tsebar!and!Mandi!villages,!Cotton!Textiles,!!
Existing&literature&on&Biodiversity& No!Comprehensive!Biodiversity!study!
Existing&literature&on&Cultural&Assets& No!Comprehensive!Biodiversity!study!
Type&of&Experience& Nature)based!trek,!wildlife,!rural!tourism,!Off!the!beaten! path!experience,!bird!watching,!arts!and!crafts,!!
Entrance&Fees& No!entrance!fees!required!as!of!now.!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness&of&the&People& Very!friendly!communities!
Environmental&Protection& Under!Pema!Gatshel!Dzongkhag!Forestry!sector.!
Weather&conditions& Favourable!between!15)!30!degree!Celsius!(ideal!for! winter)!
Cleanliness&and&Waste&Management& Garbage!pits!in!the!villages!but!lots!of!littering!in!the! villages.!!Waste!management!awareness!needed!in!the! villages.!
Community&Relations& Excellent!
Attitude&of&communities& Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism!
Hygiene&and&Sanitation& No!toilets!built!along!the!trail.!Most!households!in!Pema! Gatshel!have!good!porcelain!(Indian!style)!toilets.!!
Local&capacity&and&skills& No!prior!experience!in!tourism.!
Forest&Quality& Excellent!
Drinking&water& Abundant!(some!camping!grounds!need!Improved! (piped)!water!connection.!
Noise&and&Air&Pollution& To!some!degree!from!the!Gypsum!Mines!of!Druk!Satair! Mining!Corporation,!but!this!does!not!affect!the!trek! quality!as!the!mines!are!down!in!the!valley!and!the!trek! route!is!not!the!ridge.!
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%82% ! Local&Beliefs&that&affect&tourism& None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air&access& Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula.! Flights!only!consistent!from!September!)!April!
Road&Access& Good!road!access!at!start!and!end!points!of!the!trek!
Public&Transport& Taxis!available!
Signage& No!signage!along!the!trek!!
Accommodation& Designated!camping!grounds!identified!during!the! product!appraisal!
Condition&of&the&trek/trail& In!excellent!condition!but!only!a!small!stretch!needs!to!be! repaired!and!maintained!between!Nyimdosa!and! Dungkhar!Goemba.!!
Best&time&for&visitation& September!–!May!(ideal!for!winter)&
E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination&Management&Organization& None.!
Rules&and&Regulations& None.!
Standardized&pricing&of&services& None.!!
F.&Marketing&&
Packaging&and&itinerary&description& None!
&
Independent&website& None!
Branding& None!
Visitor&Surveys& None!
Pamphlets&and&Brochures& None!
Familiarization&Trips&for&Tour& None! Operators&
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%83% ! Media&Awareness& None!
!
Recommendation
1. The trek has high potential to become the most attractive product in the circuit with a good combination of nature, cultural, festivals, arts and crafts etc. It should be developed as a prime product for winter.
2. The Circuit Tourism Committee should take the lead and start developing the trek with technical backstopping from TCB and NRED. While farmhouses were not found to be feasible, it is recommended that the trek should be developed with managed campsites preferably on a cost-sharing basis with interested residents from the communities.
3. Infrastructure such as minor trail maintenance, viewpoints at strategic locations, information center, lunch spots, garbage disposal pits, campsites need to be developed. Work should be contracted to local developers to ensure community participation.
4. Signage should be designed and developed together with NRED as the agency would like to implement a uniform design for signage for all treks in the country. An information center can also be built at the start of the trek.
5. Bylaws to operate the trek should be institutionalized after the trek has been developed. It should outline specific responsibilities of different stakeholders, identify horse contractors; formulate standard rates for services, accountability on campsite fees etc.
6. The trek should be officially launched to create media attention and awareness amongst tour operators. This should be followed by a familiarization trip for interested tour operators to market the trek. Brochures and pamphlets with trekking maps should be developed and distributed to tour operators attending travel fairs. Similarly the new trek should be featured on the official website of TCB, NRED and ABTO.
7. Community awareness and campaign programs need to be organised to educate local communities on the benefits and negative impacts of tourism, waste management etc.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%84% ! 8. An independent research should be carried out to create an inventory of birds, flora and fauna so as to enable a stronger value proposition and branding identifiers.
9. A popular festival in Dungkhar Goemba, is conducted in March and features the famous Terchham. The site is the first night halt on the trek and tours should combine such events to increase the attractiveness of the Lotus Valley trek.
!
30.4 Wamrong&&^&Bidingphu&Village&Trek&
The existing mule track from Wamrong to Bidingphu village in Kangpara Gewog is a pleasant and easy rural trek with high potential for tourism. This is an easy trek that will connect scenic villages in Kangpara Gewog. It would be a good combination of farmhouse stays, rural tourism, agro-tourism and biking on farm roads etc.
Kangpara residents used the mule track up until recently before the Kangpara feeder road was constructed till the Gewog center. The trail starts from Wamrong and arrives at the camping ground at Dipla after 6 hours of easy trekking. Dipla offers good views over the valleys. From Dipla it takes 6 hours to reach Kangpara. A nice location for camping is identified across the stream from the Gewog center towards. From Kangpara, an easy hike of 3 hours along the villages brings the visitor to Thelphu Lhakhang. There is an unused community school in a desolate state in Thelphu village, which can be converted into a guesthouse to accommodate visitors, or the school ground can be used as camping ground. A unique Bon festival is observed in Thelphu every year on the 14th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar. From Thelphu the next night halt is at Lamai Goemba village and takes 4-hours of gentle hiking to reach it. The final day of the trek takes 3 hours and passes through Merda village and terminates at Bidingphu village. Visitors have the choice to either drive directly to the Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar highway, or camp an extra night in Bidingphu and bike/cycle the next day. Biking can be a nice combination on this trek if the feeder roads are blacktopped as planned in the 11th FYP period.
Alternatively, tour groups can drive till Kangpara Gewog and then continue the trek to Bidingphu by making it only a 2-night trek.
Table 19 - Overview of Wamrong - Bidingphu Trek (Kangpara Trek)
DAY Starting Point Campsite/Night halt Hours/Distance Lunch Point
1. Wamrong Dipla 6 hours/13 km -
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%85% ! 2. Dipla Kangpara 7 hours/14 km Near the River
3. Kangpara Thelphu 3 hours/ 10km Thelphu
4. Thelphu Lamai Goemba 4 hours/ 9 km Lamai Goemba
5. Lamai Goemba Bidingphu 3 hours/8 km Bidingphu
30.5 Product&Appraisal&Wamrong&&^&Bidingphu&Village&Trek&
A.&Vision& Good!for!rural!tourism!as!it!passes!through!many!remote! villages.!
B.&Attractions&&
Nature)based! Broadleaved!and!chirpine!forests.!Rich!flora!and!fauna! and!birds!species.!!
Cultural!Attractions! Villages!in!Kangpara,!Selkhar!Goemba!Tsechu!on!9th!9th!–! 11th!day!of!the!9th!Bhutanese!month,!Thelphu!Lhakhang! tsechu!from!the!13th)15th!month!of!the!10th!Bhutanese! month,!Lamai!Goemba!Lhakhang!etc.!
Existing!literature!on!Biodiversity! No!Comprehensive!Biodiversity!study!
Existing!literature!on!Cultural!Assets! History!and!Significance!of!the!temple!and!festival!not! documented!in!detail.!
Type!of!Experience! Village!tour,!festival,!nature)based!hike.!!
Entrance!Fees! No!entrance!fees.!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness!of!the!People! Very!friendly!communities!
Environmental!Protection! Under!Trashigang!Dzongkhag!Forestry!sector.!
Weather!conditions! Favourable!between!15)!25!degree!Celsius!(ideal!for! tourism)!
Cleanliness!and!Waste!Management! Garbage!pits!in!the!villages!but!lots!of!littering!in!the! villages.!!Waste!management!awareness!needed!in!the!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%86% ! villages.!
Community!Relations! Excellent!
Attitude!of!communities! Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism!
Hygiene!and!Sanitation! No!toilets!in!the!temple!premises.!!
Local!capacity!and!skills! No!prior!experience!in!tourism.!
Forest!Quality! Excellent!
Drinking!water! Spring!water!near!the!temple.!
Noise!and!Air!Pollution! None.!
Local!Beliefs!that!affect!tourism! None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air!access! Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula!
Road!Access! Good!road!access!at!start!of!Lotus!Valley!Trek,!and!till! Khar!village.!
Public!Transport! Taxis!available!
Signage! No!signage!
Accommodation! Camping!ground!identified!near!the!temple.!Also!a! Private!Guesthouse!near!the!temple!can!be!used!for! accommodation.!
Condition!of!the!trek/trail! Excellent!hiking!trail.!!
Best!time!for!visitation! September!)!May&
E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination!Management!Organization! None.!
Rules!and!Regulations! None.!
Standardized!pricing!of!services! None.!!
F.&Marketing&&
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%87% ! Packaging!and!itinerary!description! None!
!
Independent!website! None!
Branding! None!
Visitor!Surveys! None!
Pamphlets!and!Brochures! None!
FAM!Trips!for!Tour!Operators! None!
Media!Awareness! None!
!
Recommendation
1. The Wamrong - Bidingphu trek has potential to become an agro-tourism destination as it passes through the fertile valleys of Kangpara Gewog. Local houses along the trek are big traditional houses that make it feasible for farmhouse experiences. The trek should be marketed as a village/rural tour.
2. With collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Thelphu Community School can be converted into a tourist lodge and can be managed by the communities to earn supplementary income from tourism.
3. Once the Kangpara Bridge is completed and the farm road to Kangpara is blacktopped, the Gewog would be ideal for biking/cycling tours.
4. A 13 km feeder road from Kangpara Gewog Center to Thelphu village has been surveyed and will be built soon. Therefore tourism may not be feasible during its construction period.
5. Signage should be designed and developed together with NRED as the agency would like to implement a uniform design for signage for all treks in the country. An information center can also be built at the start of the trek.
6. Bylaws to operate the trek should be institutionalized after the trek has been developed. It should outline specific responsibilities of different stakeholders, identify horse contractors; formulate standard rates for services, accountability on campsite fees etc.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%88% ! 7. The trek should be officially launched to create media attention and awareness amongst tour operators. This should be followed by a familiarization trip for interested tour operators to market the trek. Brochures and pamphlets with trekking maps should be developed and distributed to tour operators attending travel fairs. Similarly the new trek should be featured on the official website of TCB, NRED and ABTO.
8. Community awareness and campaign programs need to be organised to educate local communities on the benefits and the negative impacts of tourism, waste management etc.
30.6 Eco^hike/&Canopy&Walk&/Elephant&Trek&from&Samdrup&Jongkhar&to& Deothang&
Presently, Samdrup Jongkhar has no attractions for tourism. In spite of incentives such as Royalty-free concessions for those staying overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar, many visitors prefer to drive directly to Guwahati from Trashigang, or vice versa. This is a need to encourage night halts in Samdrup Jongkhar, therefore attractive tourism attractions, especially day activities need to be developed. Furthermore, Samdrup Jongkhar has no recreational facilities for local residents in the municipality. A eco- hike/canopy from Samdrup Jongkhar to Deothang circa 7 km long is recommended, as the physical biodiversity in the area is rich with flora, fauna and avi-fauna. The area is thought to be the tracks of elephant herds, therefore a canopy walk would be perfect for recreation if found feasible.
Product&Appraisal&on&Eco&Hike/Trail/Canopy&Walk/Elephant&trek&
A.&Vision& To!create!some!recreational!activities!in!the! municipality!
B.&Attractions&&
Nature)based! Elephants,!Gaur,!sub)tropical!forests.!!
Cultural!Attractions! Samdrup!Jongkhar!town!
Existing!literature!on!Biodiversity! None!
Existing!literature!on!Cultural!Assets! Yes!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%89% ! Type!of!Experience! Nature)based,!ecotourism,!wildlife,!Elephant!safaris!if! feasible!
Entrance!Fees! No!entrance!fees.!
!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness!of!the!People! Very!friendly!communities!
Environmental!Protection! Under!Samdrup!Jongkhar!Dzongkhag!Forestry!sector.!
Weather!conditions! Favourable!between!20)34!degree!Celsius!!
Cleanliness!and!Waste!Management! Waste!Management!System!in!place!
Community!Relations! Excellent!
Attitude!of!communities! Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism!
Hygiene!and!Sanitation! The!eco)hike!is!currently!inaccessible.!!
Local!capacity!and!skills! Most!hospitality!staff!are!from!India!who!are!working! in!hotels.!
Forest!Quality! Excellent!
Drinking!water! Excellent!
Noise!and!Air!Pollution! None!
!
Local!Beliefs!that!affect!tourism! None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air!access! Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula.!
Road!Access! Good!road!access!from!Samdrup!Jonghar!gateway!
!
Public!Transport! Buses,!Taxis!available!
Signage! No!signage!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%90% ! Accommodation! 1!hotel!under!construction!in!Deothang,!others!in! Samdrup!Jongkhar!town.!
Condition!of!the!trek/trail! Feasibility!should!be!conducted!
Best!time!for!visitation! October – April (ideal for winter)&
E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination!Management!Organization! None.!
Rules!and!Regulations! None.!
Standardized!pricing!of!services! None.!!
F.&Marketing&&
Packaging!and!itinerary!description! None!
!
Independent!website! None!
Branding! None!
Visitor!Surveys! None!
Pamphlets!and!Brochures! None!
FAM!Trips!for!Tour!Operators! None!
Media!Awareness! None!
!
Recommendation
1. A detailed feasibility study needs to be conducted in collaboration with NRED especially focusing on impacts having an eco-hike/canopy walk on the ecology and wildlife comportment in the area. This should also record the birds’ inventory. NRED and TCB should jointly take the lead in conducting the assessments.
2. In order to create a unique experience in the circuit, possibilities of elephant safaris should be explored in the area. While there are no reports of Bhutanese
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%91% ! people owning domesticated elephants in Samdrup Jongkhar, the may be possible to operate Indian-owned elephants, or elephants owned by the Royal Manas National Park for a pilot of 2 years.Since Assam is a popular destination for wildlife tours on elephant safaris, it may be possible to get them to Samdrup Jongkhar on lease for the pilot.
3. A study on the viability of operating elephant safaris/trek in this area should be conducted to see if it is economically viable, and should be complemented by market demand analysis for such activities in Assam.
30.7 Biking&and&Birdwatching&from&Deothang&to&Pemathang&
!
The stretch from Deothang to Pemathang on the Bangtar road (54 km) is ideal for bird watching with rich avi-fauna adjacent to the road, and with high frequency of Hornbill sightings. Dark rumped swift, ward trogon, beautiful nuthatch, rufous necked hornbill, white gorgeted flycatcher (rare species), grey sised laughing thrush, yellow throated fulvetta, gold naped finch, pale headed woodpecker were recorded during the product appraisal. The low gradient asphalt road is in good condition and suitable for biking tours to Phuntshothang and Pemathang villages in Samdrupchholing Dungkhag. This attraction could be immediately marketed as a day tour in Samdrup Jongkhar as it requires less investment. Birdwatching can continue to the villages of Wongphu, Martshala and Nainetal along the farm roads.
Product&Appraisal&for&Birdwatching&and&Biking&from&Deothang&^&Pemathang&
A.&Vision& To!create!day!tours!in!Samdrup!Jongkhar!
B.&Attractions&&
Nature)based! Peacocks,!Hornbills,!Butterflies,!Subtropical!forests,! Elephants,!Gaur,!Game!Fishing,!rich!avi)fauna!!
Cultural!Attractions! Thangchung!Lhakhang,!the!villages!of!Pemathang,! Phuntshothang,!Tsangchuthama!!)!a!bon!festival!at! Khirkhirley!from!13)15th!of!the!2nd!Bhutanese!month,! Shiva!Mandir!temple.!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%92% ! Existing!literature!on!Biodiversity! Limited!
Existing!literature!on!Cultural!Assets! Limited!
Type!of!Experience! Bird!watching,!nature!biking!trail.!
Entrance!Fees! No!entrance!fees.!
C.&&Ecological&and&Social&Environment&
Friendliness!of!the!People! Very!friendly!communities!
Environmental!Protection! Under!Samdrup!Jongkhar!Dzongkhag!Forestry!sector.!
Weather!conditions! Favourable!between!20)34!degree!Celsius!!
Cleanliness!and!Waste!Management! Waste!Management!System!in!place!
Community!Relations! Excellent!
Attitude!of!communities! Welcoming,!but!less!awareness!on!tourism!
Hygiene!and!Sanitation! Good!toilets!in!houses!in!Samdrupcholing!!
Local!capacity!and!skills! No!prior!experience!in!tourism!
Forest!Quality! Excellent!
Drinking!water! Excellent!
Noise!and!Air!Pollution! None!
Local!Beliefs!that!affect!tourism! None!
D.Infrastructure&and&Accessibility!
Air!access! Once!a!week!flight!to!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula.!
Road!Access! Good!road!access!from!Samdrup!Jonghar!gateway!
!
Public!Transport! Buses,!Taxis!available!
Signage! No!signage!
Accommodation! 1!hotel!under!construction!in!Deothang,!others!in! Samdrup!Jongkhar!town.!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%93% ! Condition!of!the!trek/trail! )!
Best!time!for!visitation! September – April (ideal for winter)&
E.&&Tourism&Framework&
Destination!Management!Organization! None.!
Rules!and!Regulations! None.!
Standardized!pricing!of!services! None.!!
F.&Marketing&&
Packaging!and!itinerary!description! None!
!
Independent!website! None!
Branding! None!
Visitor!Surveys! None!
Pamphlets!and!Brochures! None!
FAM!Trips!for!Tour!Operators! None!
Media!Awareness! None!
!
Recommendation
1. A high-level meeting should be organized with the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs to amend the ‘Negative List’ and allow tourist visitation to other parts of Samdrup Jongkhar wherever deemed safe and secure.
2. An inventory of birds’ sightings should be developed along the Bangtar road from Deothang to Samdrupcholing, Peoli, Martshla and Nainetal.
3. An information center on birds along the route should be built at Deothang as part of the proposed Cafeteria.
4. The upcoming hotel in Deothang should be advised to have bike rental facilities.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%94% !
5. The Bon festival in Khirkhirley in Pemathang should be marketed as an event- based attraction. 6. Hotels in the TPS circuit should have a circuit brochure that includes all these day activities. 7. Visitors can also visit the Fisheries where villages can prepare lunch for visitors. 8. Those interested in fishing can also do fly-fishing in Barnadi in Phuntshothang
30.8 Game&fishing&in&Gongri&Chhu&(Dangme&Chhu)&and&Gomdar&to& Samdrupcholing&stretch&on&Nyeri&Ama&Chhu&
!
One of the unique experiences that the TPS circuit can offer is game fishing. The Himalayan river systems are very popular for this sport and known for big fishes such as Carps, Goonch and Golden Mahaseers, which are highly sought after by anglers all around the world. Bhutan remains an unexplored region for game fishing and its potential is huge. The Gongri Chhu in Pema Gatshel and the Barnadi river (Nyeri Amachhu) that passes through Gomdar and Samdrupcholing in Samdrup Jongkhar is known for big fish species such as carps, catfishes and Golden Mahaseers. The Livestock Officer in Samdrup Jongkhar mentioned that they want to initiate community fishing in Gomdar and Phuntshothang Gewogs to benefit farmers. He said that the migratory fish are harvested across India when the same rivers enter the Indian territory and therefore any restrictions on fishing in Bhutan to preserve the species is rendered redundant.
According to focus group discussions with officials and local residents, the stretch between Gomdar and Phuntshothang on the Nyeri Amachhu (known as Barnadi by locals) is a good spot for fishing for carps and catfishes. Similarly the Gongri chhu in Pema Gatshel is known for Golden Mahaseers and ideal for floating fishing trips, as the area is accessible only by rafts.
Recommendation
1. A detailed study on the feasibility of fishing tours (catch and release) in the circuit should be conducted in order to make the TPS circuit a favoured
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%95% ! destination for game fishing.
2. Packaging and itinerary development should be done and marketed as a unique experience in Bhutan. It should be marketed to travel organizers around the world specializing in game fishing.
3. A market research should be conducted to see the demand for such activities especially given the minimum tariffs that visitors have to pay to be in Bhutan.
4. Feasibility study for rafting and game fishing in Dangme chhu can be done together.
30.9 Farmhouse/Guesthouseand Agro-tourism Experiences in Rongthong, Khaling and Kanglung in Trashigang
Family-run lodges provide a “warm hospitality and good standards of rustic comfort in a family atmosphere and appeal to segments of the market seeking genuine cultural experiences and encounters.” It is important that minimum standards of hygiene and comfort are met and it is preferable that families are not displaced for the sake of tourism – could be developed as a feature of Bhutanese tourism offering a deeper experience of Bhutanese culture. Merak and Sakteng are already developing farmhouse experiences as part of the agro-tourism initiative. Villages of Rongthong, Khaling and Kanglung along the Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar highway have potential for farmhouse/guesthouse stays combined with agro-tourism activities. Most houses in these villages are 2-storey traditional Bhutanese houses with traditional architecture and appeal. Most houses have porcelain (Indian style) toilets and households usually have an additional room for guests. Interviews with some local residents indicated high interest levels to host visitors.
Rongthong, Khaling and Kanglung are agricultural villages known for vegetable production. Farmer’s cooperatives in these villages supply vegetables to educational institutions and schools in the Gewog. Farmers in these villages use greenhouse technologies and visitors can partake in vegetable/fruit picking etc. Khaling is a scenic village with many temples and beautiful village hikes. Visitors can visit educational institutions such as the Jigme Sherabling Higher Secondary School and the Munseling School for the visually impaired. The National Women’s Association of Bhutan runs a
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%96% ! Handloom Development Project in Khaling, a textile school and where students can demonstrate the different stages of how textiles are made, starting from the dyeing to finished products which are displayed in a showroom. Visitors can also participate in learning how to make textile designs.
Recommendation
1. The newly installed Circuit Tourism Committee should create awareness on the farmhouse development guidelines and conduct meetings with the residents of Rongthong, Khaling and Kanglung to select potential households interested in offering homestay experiences in their house.
2. The list should be disseminated to tour operators interested in offering farmhouse experiences. Interested tour operators can then draw contracts with farmers to sell farmhouse experiences. Tour operators who invest in farmhouse developments should be recognized through the proposed industry awards system.
3. The farmhouses should be registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and an inventory of farmhouses should be included on the website of the Tourism Council of Bhutan. This is suggested given that most farmhouses in the country do not have the capacity to market themselves online.
30.10 White Water Rafting in Gamri and Dangmechhu, River Cruises in Manas River
The Gamri chhu, which becomes Dangme chhu after it crosses Chazam in Trashigang, represents one the most unexplored river systems in the country. It is the largest river system in the country and eventually forms the Manas river. Albeit, not being surveyed during the Rafting and Kayaking Survey which was carried out by TCB a few years ago, specialized tour operators providing rafting services mentioned that Dangme chhu could be a dream destination for white-water rafting and kayaking. It offers a mix of great rapids (Trashigang side) and smooth rides after it crosses Pema Gatshel. The river meanders through one of Bhutan’s most pristine ecosystems and a multi-day rafting till Manas would reward a visitor with many wildlife sightings. The most remote and under privileged communities of Duringre, Yangbari, Khenkhar and Chephung in Pema Gatshelalong along the river bank will be benefited from such tourism activities. Rafting in Dangme Chhu was featured in the popular documentary series of BBC called the “Lost Land of the Tiger”.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%97% ! Recommendation
A technical feasibility should be conducted to package and market it. The study should also identify camping grounds along the river till Manas. The technical feasibility for rafting should be combined with the game fishing study, as a cost cutting measure.
Camping grounds should be developed near the communities along the river to make them participate in tourism activities.
Detailed feasibility on river cruises/safaris in the Manas river should be conducted.
30.11 Dungkhar&Tsechu&
The Dungkhar Tsechu is observed at the Dungkhar Lhakhang, a 4-hour walk from Khar village in Pema Gatshel. The temple is located in a forest clearing far away from the villages. It is a unique festival organized by villagers of Pema Gatshel (mainly Khar Gewog) where villagers hike up to the temple in a parade and camp at the temple vicinity for 3-5 nights in temporary huts built specifically for this purpose. The tsechu features the popular Terchham dance. The temple’s main deity is Guru Rinpoche. The temple is also the camping area for the first night-halt on the identified Lotus Valley Trek. Visitors either have the choice to trek from Mongling (start of the Lotus Trek), or join the parade on a hike with pilgrims from Khar village, or other surrounding areas.
!
Recommendation
1. The Dungkhar Tsechu festival package requires minimal investment, therefore it should be packaged and marketed immediately through websites, pamphlets etc.
2. The festival is best combined with the Lotus Valley Trek.
3. Community awareness and campaign programs need to be organised to educate local communities on the benefits and the negative impacts of tourism, waste management etc.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%98% ! 30.12 Pema&Gatshel&Tsechu&
Pema Gatshel Tsechu should be one of the main attractions in the valley as majority of the visitors are of the cultural type and have high interest levels for festivals in rural areas. The festival is held on the 13th – 15th day of the 11thmonth of the Bhutanese calendar.
Recommendation
Tour operators who have tried to organise tours for Pema Gatshel Tsechu have reported that the DA often changed dates at the last minute depending on the convenience of the local communities. This should be avoided in order to cater for tourism.
Detailed day-wise description should be developed by the Dzongkhag Cultural Officer in order to package the product for marketing.
30.13 Trashigang&Tsechu&
Every village in Trashigang has its own distinctive annual festival but the highlight is the 3-day Tsechu that is held in Trashigang Dzong during the 7th to 11th days of the 10th Bhutanese month. The Tsechu is attended by the Brokpas, a semi-nomadic people that reside in the valleys of Merak and Sakteng, the Khengpa community and people from as far as Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Trashiyangtse.
Preparations for the Tsechu begin 2 days prior to the actual festival. On the 7th day of the month the monks perform ceremonial ablutions or thrue. On the 8th, they have rehearsals in preparation for the Tsechu. Then on the 9th day the actual Tsechu begins. On the 10th day the Thongdrol of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) is unfurled amidst a flurry of mask dances. On the final day, the old Thongdrol of Guru Tshengyed is displayed. The unfurling is accompanied by the performance of Guru Tshengyed Chhams.
Recommendation
Detailed description and marketing is needed to promote it as a main festival in the
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%99% ! circuit.
30.14 Samdrup&Jongkhar&Tsechu&
Samdrup Jongkhar Tsechu should also be developed as a main event. Dzongkhag festivals in the 3 Dzongkhags of Trashigang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar are observed during the leaner winter months. Therefore, it should be promoted as festivals for the winter calendar.
30.15 Yongphula&Tsechu&
The Yongphula Tsechu would be ideal given the air accessibility. The festival is witnessed in the Yonphel Phuntsho Chojey Ugyen Choling Lhakhang. Mask dances according to the Peling tradition are performed during this festival. It is observed from the 13th – 15th of the 10th month of the Bhutanese calendar, right after the Trashigang Tsechu. This makes it ideal for tour operators to combine these two festivals for an eastern Bhutan trip.
30.16 Arts&and&Crafts&Festival&in&Pema&Gatshel&
Eastern Bhutan is known for some of the most popular art forms in Bhutan such as textiles, Dung and Jaling making, bamboo and cane works, Dapa and Phob making, traditional paper making (from Trashi Yangtse), Stringing Nettles weaving from Lauri etc. It is proposed that an Arts and Crafts festival should be organised in Pema Gatshel to promote these art forms and also provide market access for these crafts for domestic and international markets.
30.17 Shortlisted&Day&Trips&
Most of the shortlisted day trips (in topic 32) require very minimal investment and can be marketed immediately. They need to be documented, packaged and disseminated to tour operators so that they can start incorporating it in their itineraries.
Recommendation
Day trips should be included in the circuit brochure and pamphlets and should be distributed at hotels in the circuit.
!
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%100% ! Chapter&5&^&Tourism&Marketing&Framework&
The success of the TPS circuit as a tourism destination will largely depend on thecompetitiveness of its tourism products and services, and how they are marketed to attract visitors. In order to boost tourism, the TPScircuit has to rise above the challenge of attracting and growing arange of target market segments over time to generate the levels of tourist volumes andreceipts that will have a positive impact on the local economy. Marketing should not be limited to product description and posting it on the TCB website for tour operators and potential visitors to read through. The marketing plan for the circuit needs a brand that visitors can associate with.
This section outlines the tourism destination-marketing framework for the circuit, indicatinghow the destination should be marketed in order to attract visitors. The marketing framework includes branding identity, anidentification of a unique selling proposition of the circuit, marketing objectives, as well as generic positioning through various mediums.
31 Understanding&the&Markets&
Majority of hotels and restaurants in the TPS circuit are small enterprises that have limited understanding of customer behavior particularly for international visitors. TCB and other public tourism stakeholders share the responsibility of providing such information and delivering training as well as joint marketing services to reach the markets. Therefore it is imperative that a good reporting mechanism collects detailed information on visitor arrivals and their behavioral trends. Whilst the TCB maintains all data on the international leisure segment, the Department of Immigration has not been able to furnish detailed information on the travel patterns of the regional segment. Data of arrivals is important to formulate the right marketing strategies.
International&Visitors&
International visitors to the TPS circuit mainly originated from the United States (18.06%) followed closely by Germany (16.67%), France (12.04%), United Kingdom (11.57%) and Japan (11.57%). Switzerland (7.87%) and the Netherlands (4.17%) also rated significantly. Japanese arrivals in the circuit are also attributed to the opening of Merak-Sakteng trek, which evidently saw a significant number of Japanese visitors with longer length of stays. This finding suggests that Japanese visitors seek to experience rural lifestyles and farmhouse facilities in remote villages. Given that Japan is the biggest international market, such identifiers should be borne in mind while developing tourism products.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%101% ! Majority (30.27%) of the visitors to the TPS circuit preferred to enter through Delhi and exit through Samdrup Jongkhar with length of stays ranging from 15 - 18 days. Visitors entering and exiting through Samdrup Jongkhar was 18.38%. A significant percent of this segment were those visiting the Merak Sakteng trek. The long durations suggests that visitors who did the Merak Sakteng trek also combined it with the popular attractions of western and central Bhutan. Given the very negligible repeat visitors, first timers to Bhutan have a strong inclination to see western and central Bhutan during their visit and itineraries to the circuit should be combined with the popular attractions of western Bhutan. This would require efficient aviation facilities connecting western Bhutan to the TPS circuit.
Hoteliers mainly rely on tour operators and many tour operators do not actively package tours to the TPS circuit based on its limited attractions. Most tours crossing Mongar are merely passing through the eastern Dzongkhags to get a glimpse of “eastern Bhutan”. Besides the Merak Sakteng trek, which was launched in 2009, most tour groups in the circuit simply pass through the towns of Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar. This is not because there are no attractions in eastern Bhutan. It is mainly because the destination has not been developed and marketed for tourism. Therefore once the products are created, bridging the gap between the tourism suppliers (tour operators, hoteliers) and the consumers should be emphasized.
Given that eastern Bhutan is relatively a new destination with limited arrivals, the market analysis should be based on the overall market to Bhutan as a whole.
Bhutan is associated as a cultural destination with 99.26% of all visitors in 2012indulging in at least a cultural aspect of Bhutan during the trip. Visitors came to witness Bhutan’s age-old living culture and colourful festivals and the daily ways of life in Bhutan. Nature-based activities accounted for 13.04%, which included ‘Trekking’ (7.32%), ‘Bird Watching, Flora and Fauna’ (1.22%), and ‘Adventure Sports’ (4.50%). The ‘Adventure Sports’ segment showed significant increase in arrivals for mainly rafting, kayaking, motorcycling and biking/cycling activities.
One of the main reasons why Bhutan attracts cultural visitors in spite of having a huge potential for nature tourism lies in the profile of visitors that Bhutan attracts. Demographically, earlier research reveals them to be singles and couples in the post- nest stage of the family life cycle (i.e., couples whose children who have left home). Not surprisingly, most tend to be in the above 55+ years of age. They also tend to be well educated and have a higher than average proportion of savings and household incomes. Psychologically, they see themselves as increasingly sophisticated and experienced travellers, seeking more unusual places and experiences that are ‘off the beaten track’. They are interested in discovering and experiencing the unspoiled and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%102% ! less-visited destinations of the world. They are curious people, more interested in unexpected and intriguing experiences than repeat trips to conventional 'tourist' destinations. Given their age and profile, visitors seek easy trekking experiences and other soft-day adventures.
Given the limited attractions in Bhutan, coupled with high daily tariffs does not encourage longer stays. The average length of stay in 2012 was 6.9 days. Bhutan is predominantly seen as a short-holiday destination with 67.30% of the visitors staying for 8 nights, or less. In 2012, some 32.70% stayed for more than 8 nights, out of which only 4.1% stayed for more than 2 weeks. Therefore it is important that a typical trip to the circuit should not exceed 10 days.
The source market with highest average length of stay was Switzerland spending around 10.91 days in Bhutan. This was closely followed by the Netherlands (10.23 days), Australia (9.17 days), France (9.17 days), Germany (9.15 days), UK (8.49 days), Canada (8.13 days) and USA (8.0 days). Asian tourists always have shorter durations. Malaysian visitors stayed for 5.52 days, Chinese for 4.96 days, Japanese for 4.88 days and Thailand for 4.21 days on average.
Figure 24 - International visitors by type of Activities undertaken
0.81! 3.69! Adventure!Sports! 1.22! 4.5! 7.32! Cultural!Sightseeing!and! Festivals! Bird!Watching,!Flora!and! Fauna! Spiritual!and!Wellness!
99.26! Trekking!
Textiles!
Source: BTM 2012
Most visitors visit the country in spring (March-May) and autumn months (September- November). While it is understood that visitors choose their time of year to visit depending on prevailing conditions like festival dates and favourable weather in the TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%103% ! destination, it also provides some insights into their holiday times. Most visitors from the top source markets – USA, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Canada and Italy – chose to visit Bhutan during autumn (September – November) and spring (March - May) months. Visitations from important Asian markets such as Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia were distributed throughout all seasons. Besides these top Asian markets, a significant number of Americans (12.54%) and Australians (13.19%) prefer to visit in winter, making it ideal for the TPS circuit (mainly for winter) to target these countries. A recent study on holiday timings in source markets showed that Asia/Asia-pacific markets like China, Australia, Thailand and Singapore have their holiday timing spread over the year. Clearly, Australia’s holiday timing is in winter (summer in Southern Hemisphere) as suggested by 45.62% of the respondents. This clearly shows that the TPS circuit, which is ideal for winter visitations, should focus on these markets.
Figure 25 - Timing of Visitation of International Leisure segment
9000! 8356! 8000! 7000! 5871! 6000! 5000! 4973! 5035! 4350! 4000! 3000! 2697! 2670! 2778! Visitor&Arrivals& 2000! 1495! 1804! 2332! 1578! 1000! 0!
International&Arrivals&by&Month&
Source: BTM 2012
International visitors are mostly first-timers to Bhutan with 79.34% in 2012. Some 12.19% indicated that they had visited Bhutan on two previous occasions, followed by 7.04% who visited once before. Visitors are normally very satisfied with their experience in Bhutan and this means a possibility of a return trip if Bhutan can market new products. An encouraging number of respondents (80.40%) indicated that they would like to visit Bhutan again in the near future – substantiating high satisfaction levels. The remaining 19.60% believed that they had experienced what Bhutan has to offer and therefore would not consider visiting again. The circuit should be promoted as a good alternative for repeat visitors to provide a new and a different experience compared to
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%104% ! their first trip to Bhutan.
Almost one third (31.40%) of the total respondents indicated that Bhutan was their only destination during the trip. There are many who are willing to spend a lot more money on long-haul international flights to solely experience Bhutan. This implies that visitors would not be perturbed with the relatively expensive domestic flight fares if there are attractive products in eastern Bhutan. Others indicated that they combined their Bhutan trip with Nepal (27.0%), India (25.80%), and Thailand (23.7%). The fact that India is a preferred destination to combine their Bhutan trip provides opportunities for trans- boundary tourism to combine attractions in the TPS circuit with attractions in Assam and other neighbouring areas in India.
& & Regional&Markets& !
The regional market is dominated by India with 86.0%, followed by Bangladesh with 12.0%. Very negligible arrivals are recorded from Maldives. Visitors were predominantly male (68.3%). Age of regional visitors were spread across all segments with majority of them falling in the age category of ‘26 – 35 years’ followed by ‘36 - 45 years’ and ‘18 – 26 years’ category. Regional visitors are younger compared to the international visitors who are mostly of 60+ years. Like the international visitors, regional high-end visitors are also highly educated with 78.0% of them having at least a Bachelor’s Degree. They came mainly for the purpose of ‘Holidaying’ with 71.4%, followed by the ‘Business’ category with 11.0%. Almost two third (64.8%) were Free Independent Travellers (on their own) and the remaining 35.2% were part of packaged tours offered by either local or regional tour operators.
Whilst the composition of the visitors’ travel party was distributed almost equally across all categories, the dominant segment remained to be ‘Group of Friends’ with 36.7%. Regional visitors have short lengths of stay with majority staying for 3 nights (18.4%), followed by 4 nights (17.7%) and 5 nights (15.5%). Whilst a slight majority of the visitors were first-time visitors to Bhutan with 41.6%, many also indicated they had visited Bhutan on ‘two previous visits’ (36.8%), followed by ‘one previous visit’ (17.0%).
Thimphu hosted the majority of regional visitors with 72.4% of the respondents visiting the capital city. The next popular attraction was Paro with 63.0% followed by Chhukha Dzongkhag with 33.8%. Sources of information about Bhutan were also from the ‘Internet’ (24.0%), ‘Work/Business’ (16.7%). Major draw cards include ‘culture’, ‘temples and Dzongs’, and ‘pristine environment’. Major entry points were Kolkata, Delhi and Phuentsholing.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%105% ! The spending pattern without including airfare or ground travel till Bhutan border, was spread across various brackets and was dominated by majority spending between INR 10,001 – 20,000 during the entire trip. Without the airfare and travel expenses till the entry point, the average spending amount was recorded at INR 33, 718.6.
Regional visitors have a strong inclination for nature-based and adventure products, which would make the TPS circuit a viable destination for regional visitors.
32 Marketing&Strategy&
The following outlines the marketing strategy in promoting the TPS circuit as a competitive destination embracing the components of sustainable tourism development in the long run.!
! It is proposed that a circuit logo should be created to represent the brand that justifies the proposed circuit name “Rural Ecotourism Circuit”. It is recommended that the logo should use elements of particular fauna found in the circuit such as a hornbill, which is widely found in the circuit.
! Designate the TPS circuit as a priority destination for development and marketing in the 11th FYP by channeling a significant proportion of budget allocation into the circuit from TCB’s overall budget outlay for Product Development, Brand Positioning and Marketing.
! The current infrastructure and limited attractions in the circuit does not attract high-end international visitors. The marketing strategy for the international segment should commence when some of the identified products are developed and ready for operations. In the meantime, the TPS circuit should focus on the short-haul regional markets from North-east India such as Assam, West Bengal, Megalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. This is not only partly to mitigate a destination’s exposure to the vagaries of international tourism trends, but also because advertising in regional markets is almost always more cost effective.
! The TPS circuit is also the home of His Holiness Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and Garab Rinpoche to whom the Bhutanese people have deep allegiance and devotion. The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative, a registered CSO, which was founded by His Holiness Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, provides meditation, yoga and Buddhist teachings sessions and is expected to attract many pilgrims from all over Bhutan and around the world. Therefore the
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%106% ! TPS circuit should also be marketed as a pilgrimage destination for the domestic market.
! Samdrup Jongkhar is a Royalty free zone. This means that international visitors are exempt of the daily Royalty of USD. 65 per day, which is included in the minimum package price of USD. 250 per day if a visitor halts nights in Samdrup Jongkhar. The incentive is provided by the Tourism Council of Bhutan to encourage more occupancy in hotels in Samdrup Jongkhar. Therefore the TPS circuit should be marketed as an affordable destination in Bhutan. A closer look at the effectiveness of this strategy shows that Samdrup Jongkhar has recorded increased occupancy rates despite having no attractions on offer at the moment.
! Marketing on the basis of sustainable attractionsalone is not going to suffice for the TPS circuit. Even when sustainability could be at the core of the products itself, and could be one of the determining attributes that the tourist looks for, the TPS circuit will never be able to compete with the western and central Bhutan’s destinations. For the vast majority of consumers, sustainability will only be a consideration when other criteria, such as price, choice of accommodation and availability of activities have all been satisfied. Given the large disparity of geographical spread with only 1.66% of the total bed nights recorded in the TPS circuit (only 3.61% in the 6 eastern Dzonkhags), developing attractive products alone would not create significant impacts of arrival trends. A strong motivation amongst visitors is required to make the visitor choose to visit the eastern circuits instead of visiting the western hotspots. Therefore in order to derive maximum results for visitor arrivals, it is proposed that RGoB should provide price incentives to visitors by extending the “Royalty Free Zone” incentive to all the Dzongkhags in the 2 eastern circuits. Or, provide significant “Circuit Discounts” up to 50% on Royalty, to encourage visitation in the circuits. This would create the biggest impact as Bhutan is known to be an expensive destination and an option for affordable holidays in Bhutan would entice many visitors who want to come to Bhutan but cannot afford the current package pricing. Increased visitation to the east also attracts investment from private entrepreneurs in tourism superstructures such as standard accommodation and restaurant facilities, which are presently in short supply. The need for a balanced geographical spread of tourism is even more critical given that the target arrivals (according the Tourism Strategy 2013-2018) in the next 5 years is to reach more than 250,000 visitors. This is expected to exert a huge pressure on current popular attractions in western and central Bhutan due to their limited carrying capacity. Therefore it is recommend that the eastern circuit should be marketed as an affordable destination, yet retaining the “high value” aspect of tourism
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%107% ! experience in Bhutan.
! TCB and Drukair should jointly explore new markets for domestic flights to Yongphula and Bathpalathang by consolidating marketing budget. The marketing strategy should be jointly implemented by TCB and Drukair, together with the Circuit Tourism Committee and business representatives from the circuit.
! Direct flights to Bumthang from international sectors will encourage visitation in the eastern circuits and therefore also culminate in higher tourist traffic from Yongphula to Paro. Currently, visitors have to pay separately for international and domestic flights, and therefore making it very expensive to visit the circuit.
! One way for destinations to attract the attention of the media and visitors is through theme-based fairs and events such as the Haa Summer Festival, Rhododendron Festival, Takin festival etc. Given that the eastern circuits are rich in traditional arts, an “Arts and Crafts” festival should be hosted in the circuit (preferably in Pema Gatshel) during winter to attract visitors. Such as event should be planned at least a year in advance so that tour operators have time to market it.
It should be noted that the festival should demonstrate various arts forms rather than only an exhibition of finished products. The festival should highlight various livelihood sources of people in the eastern Bhutan such as Dung and Jaling making, Wood carvings such as mask making, textiles (how it is made in a traditional way using traditional tools for cotton and bura (raw silk) textiles), Dapa and Phob making, traditional paper making, Bamboo products, traditional medicine practices, local food, ara-making etc.
Similarly, adventure-based events such as multi-day biking races from Samdrup Jongkhar to Bumthang, marathons, fishing competitions etc. should be explored.
! TCB should also encourage channel marketing with local tour operators to jointly market the TPS circuit by providing incentives such as marketing budget, concessions for travel fairs.
! Tourism Liason Office/Circuit Tourism Information Center
Given that a Destination Steward/Tourism Officer is placed in Trashigang recently as the focal person for tourism in the circuit, it is recommended that a TCB branch office is setup at Samdrup Jongkhar near the entry/exit gate. This can serve as an
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%108% ! information center for visitors, as well as the office of the Tourism Officer. In addition to carrying out the regular responsibilities of the Tourism Officer to manage tourism activities in the circuit, the multi-purpose office will be useful in facilitating and collecting data on visitor arrivals, conduct visitor surveys, hotel occupancy rates and monitor the proposed “Circuit discounts” as proposed above.
Figure 26 - Visitor Arrival Targets 2013-2018
Visitor&Arrivals&Target&(2013^2018)&
180,000! 158,951! 160,000! 140,000! 132,459! 110,382! 120,000! 91,985! 104,503! 100,000! 76,654! 80,000! 91,669! 60,000! 80,411!
Visitor&Arrivals& 61,874! 70,536! 40,000! 20,000! 0! 2013)14! 2014)15! 2015)16! 2016)17! 2017)18! Years&
International!Arrivals! Regional!Arrivals!
33 Distribution&Channels&
A recent analysis on visitors primary source of information on Bhutan revealed that the word-of-mouth, magazines and the Internet are the most commonly distribution channels. These findings suggest the following marketing campaigns to position the TPS circuit to the target markets.
!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%109% ! Figure 27 - Primary Source of Information on Bhutan
Website&
The main channel to position the TPS circuit to potential visitors is the official website of TCB. The official website - www.tourism.gov.bt - is used as the main source of reliable travel information on Bhutan. Travellers and tour operators extensively use the portal to plan holidays based on the information it disseminates. Once the products and their detailed descriptions are developed, a microsite for the TPS destination should be created to provide information on various experiences, different options for accommodations and other travel related services. The website should focus have a rich archive of images, an interactive map with links on specific attractions and set-itineraries in the circuit. The Destination steward/Tourism Officer at the circuit should be the focal person managing the content on the website.
Albeit, TCB’s website is highly optimised, an ad-word campaign with Google should be launched to drive traffic to the TPS circuit’s microsite on the main website. TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%110% ! Public&Relations&
PR is an exceptional and cost effective promotional tool through which mostsegments of the target market can be reached. Visitor opinions on a destination are created and built by PR campaigns through print media and word- of-mouth.The Tourism Council of Bhutan invites travel writers and journalists periodically to feature Bhutan in popular travel and lifestyle magazines. Columnists and travel writers for popular magazines for both international and regional (Indian) editions of the National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller, and Getaway etc. should be invited to position the TPS circuit as an emerging destination in Bhutan. Also, international press conferences should be hosted at strategic points at target markets by utilizing the presence of Bhutan embassies abroad. TCB should fully utilize the capacity of the partner PR agencies in USA, Europe and Japan to disseminate information about the TPS circuit.
International&Travel&Fairs/&Trade&Shows&
The TPS circuit should be positioned as an emerging market while participating in various travel fairs such as World Travel Mart (WTM), International Travel Berlin (ITB), Japan Travel (JATA); and regional travel fairs in India and Bangladesh namely South Asia Travel and Tourism Event (SATTE), New Delhi, Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF), Hyderabad, Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), Mumbai, Bangladesh Tourism and Travel Fair (BTTF), and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) adventure & responsible tourism conference and travel market. Provisions for the Destination Steward (Tourism Officer) from the circuit to participate in these fairs should be kept in according to budget availability.
Guidebooks&
Currently the most popular guidebook the Lonely Planet series, offers very limited information on attractions in the circuit. The publisher should be furnished with new information on the attractions and also highlight the brand proposition in the new edition of the book. Many visitors who were interviewed during exit surveys mentioned that the Lonely Planet guide is used by most visitors to plan specific experiences in Bhutan. Sustainability is at the core of Lonely Planet, although this has so far happened more intuitively than strategically. The company is now examining how they formalize their commitment to sustainability.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%111% !
Tourism Concern, which “campaigns for ethical and fairly traded tourism” is another popular guidebook. Working through its large international network of tourism stakeholders, known as the ‘FairTrade in Tourism Network’, it is able to identify a wide range of sustainable tourism products, including community-based tourism initiatives. TCB should invite writers from these two companies to include the Merak Sakteng trek in the next edition. They will visit Bhutan and research the products. Products that pass a preliminary review are sent a questionnaire, which is used as the basis of assessment and to determine which products meet sufficient criteria of fair trade and responsibility to be included. Tourism Concern’s website receives 9,000 unique site visits each month, making this a highly effective medium.
Travel&Forums&
Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree travellers’ bulletin boards and Trip Advisor’s travel forums are the worlds leading online travel information sites, where travellers can exchange information on destinations and experiences, and plan their next adventure. Both companies claim that more than 100,000 visitors seek travel advice from their forums. With a significant number of travellers to Bhutan indicating Internet as the primary source of information about Bhutan, these forums should be utilized to position new destinations such as the TPS circuit. The companies have a provision for Destination Management Companies/National Tourism Organizations to promote specific destinations. The TPS circuit should be promoted on these sites to attract visitors to eastern Bhutan. This can also serve as a marketing campaign for the entire country.
Electronic&Brochures&
Inthis digital age, an electronic brochure is an important marketingtool for a tourist destination. An electronic brochure can be supplied to travel trade (travelagents and tour operators) on CD or flashcards in order for them to provide their clientswith comprehensive information about the destination. The benefits of an electronicbrochure include being able to provide more detailed information that would be available onprint format, and the cost of electronic brochures are much lower than that of a printedglossy brochures and can be changed more
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%112% ! frequently. Local tour operators can also post the e-brochure on their website to create interest amongst potential visitors to Bhutan.
Merchandising&
The development of merchandising for the TPS circuit and its various tourist products is another marketing tool that can be used.This could involve T-shirts, stickers, pens, key holders, and other forms of local products such as textiles from Radhi, Incense, Dungs and Jalings from Tsebar, etc. that are branded with the TPS circuit logo or a logo for a specific tourism product. Merchandising is a means of generating income for the marketing organization as well as providing an opportunity for MSMEs and job creation.
Advertising&Campaigns&
Print, radio, and television are effective ways to reach the regional market and less expensive compared to international media. An advertising campaign should be deployed in India, especially targeting the northeast states, and Bangladesh to attract regional visitors. A recent study showed that regional visitors are highly motivated by nature-based and adventure activities such as trekking, bird watching, wildlife, motorcycling, white-water rafting, fishing etc. Simultaneously, an impact assessment should be conducted to measure the reach and effectiveness of thecampaign.
Video&Marketing&on&Youtube&and&Vimeo& !
Video marketing would be an effective and a cheaper way of marketing specific products in the TPS circuit on channels such as Youtube and Vimeo. An added advantage of video marketing is its marketing value and interest levels amongst visitors can be monitored through the number of hits each video generates.!
34 Prioritization&of&Marketing&Tools&
With limited resources it is important to prioritize the marketing tools that could be utilized and our recommendations on the marketing tools to be utilized.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%113% ! Table 20 - Prioritization of Marketing Tools
Marketing Market Cost Significance Implementation Tool Segment Level Timeframe
Website All segments Low cost High Short term
PR All segments Low to High Short term Medium
Guide Books All segments Low High Medium term
Travel Forums All segments Medium Medium Medium to Long Term
E-Brochures, All segments Low High Medium term Print especially Brochures and travel Circuit Map intermediaries
Travel and All segment High High Long term Trade Fairs
Merchandising All segments High – also Medium Medium to opportunity Long Term for MSMEs and job creation
Advertising Regional High High Short term Campaign segment
Video International, High High Short term. Marketing regional
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%114% ! & & & CHAPTER&5&–&ORGANIZATIONAL&FRAMEWORK&
This chapter provides information on key coordination mechanism and the implementation process for the TPS circuit tourism plan and ideas on how planning and budgeting lines can be streamlined.
35 Tourism&Bill&
Tourism is a multi-sector industry and requires the support and cooperation of both public and private tourism stakeholders at the national level in terms of policy and planning, and at the destination level for implementation, management and monitoring. More importantly, it is imperative that a strong reporting framework is institutionalized to facilitate data and knowledge sharing between the national and destination level. Tourism business associations such as ABTO, HAB and GAB represent the interest of the private sector. The Tourism Council of Bhutan established under the chairmanship of honourable Prime Minister with high-level representatives from different ministries is responsible to steerthe industry to realize its vision and ensure that development is inline with the national tourism policy.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan Secretariat - formerly known as Department of Tourism - under MoEA - was established as an autonomous statutory body through an executive order from the Prime Minister in November 2009. However, the Royal Civil Service Commission has opposed the validity of TCB’s autonomy, given the promulgation is not supported by a Tourism Act, as the Tourism Bill is still under review by Cabinet Secretariat.
The Tourism Bill needs to be ratified by the parliament to legalize TCB’s autonomy and carry out its role as an apex tourism body in Bhutan. The Secretariat should strongly traction its progress by appointing a legal consultant to lobby with the Cabinet Secretariat and adapt relevant changes in order to be submitted to the parliament at the earliest possible. The Tourism Bill has provisions for multi-stakeholder coordination framework and decentralized tourism planning and management, therefore once it becomes the Tourism Act, it will empower the Council to carry out its mandate of decentralizing tourism planning and management effectively.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%115% ! 36 Circuit&Tourism&Committee/Destination&Management&Organisation&
Decentralised tourism planning and destination management calls for a coalition of many organisations and interests working towards a common goal. A multi-sector Circuit Tourism Committee (CTC) was formed at the TPS circuit at the destination level. Multi-stakeholder consultative workshops where organised to guide the participants through the process of research, situation assessment, development of vision, goals andobjectives, planning, and finally implementation and monitoring.The CTC will lead and coordinate activities under a coherent tourism strategy for the TPS circuit. They do not control the activities of their partners but bring together resources and expertise and a degree of independence and objectivity to lead the way forward. It follows that the CTC must develop a high level of skill in developing and managing partnerships, as their remit is far broader to become astrategic leader in destination development.
The&CTC&comprises&of&the&following&members;&
1. Dasho Dzongdags of the 3 Dzongkhags(Chairman on an annual rotational basis) 2. Circuit Tourism Officer/Destination Steward (General Secretary) 3. Dzongkhag Planning Officers of the 3 Dzongkhags 4. Dzongkhag Forestry Officers of the 3 Dzongkhags 5. Dzongkhag Culture Officers of the 3 Dzongkhags 6. DYT Chaiman of Trashigang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar 7. Park Manager SWS 8. Hotel representatives of Hotel Druk Doetjung, Lenkhar Resort, Dungsam Hotel, Mountain Hotel and Hotel TLT
!
Role&and&Responsibilities&of&the&CTC&
Policy formulation and creating an enabling environment for tourism.
! Develop the Circuit Tourism Development Plan in consultation with the TCB, respective DA and other relevant organisations and submit it to TCB and GNHC for approval. ! Implement and promote the CTDP and monitor its realisation; ! Provide the statutory/administrative backups to tourism development projects; ! Provide support facilities and facilitation services to private enterprises that want to invest in tourism. ! Reporting and knowledge management between the national tourism stakeholders and the destination stakeholders (tourism suppliers and DA).
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%116% ! Legislative and institutional reform:
! Facilitate bureaucratic procedures, create conducive environment for tourists to visit and investors to invest, support in providing incentives and schemes. ! Encourage MSME’s to participate in tourism development. ! Identify and establish clear objectives as to the range of public and private sector development as considered appropriate. ! Ensure that the type and scale of tourism development is compatible with the environment and the socio-cultural setting of the area. ! Provide public infrastructure facilities including local planning and zoning arrangements.
Community awareness and involvement:
! The local community is informed and fully involved so that the benefits of tourism are equally distributed. ! Promote public interest in the area of tourism, monitoring and inspections of the tourism development. ! Retain and ensure that the range of tourism resources of the 3 Dzongkhags are of high quality and aesthetically pleasing to the visitors; ! The implementation plans are materialized based on the requirements.
Planning, Management and Monitoring
! After the CTDP has been implemented, the CTC in consultation with TCB and respective DA should develop annual tourism plans including financial planning to be submitted to TCB and GNHC.
! Monitor the progress of the destination and ensure that tourism development in the circuit is aligned to the vision of the destination.
! After the completion of the implementation phase of the CTDP, the CTC is responsible to manage the circuit as a sustainable tourism destination.
Managing these roles require cooperation and collaboration with communities, TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%117% ! community representatives, the private sector and their representatives, visitors, TCB and other relevant ministries like the MOAF, MOEA and MOHCA. This has become instrumental and vital in the successful growth of tourism. The level of Dzongkhag’s contribution to a larger extent also depends upon the commitment and importance the DA has for tourism.
To ensure that the CTC functions effectively at the destination level, a clear framework for collaboration is imperative at the national level. The roles and responsibilities of the important tourism stakeholder such as the TCB, NRED, Ministry of Home and cultural Affairs (MOHCA), Dzongkhag Administrations and the private sector is very crucial to ensure the implementation of the TPS Circuit Tourism Plan. This will not onlyprovide a clear direction but will accelerate the process of implementation.
The members of the newly formed CTC have very less capacity and awareness on tourism, therefore capacity development of the CTC should be given top priority in order for them to take up their new role.
37 Roles&and&Responsibilities&of&the&Central&Government&
Tourism&Council&of&Bhutan&(TCB)&
8 As the apex tourism body, the TCB/TCBS shall have the following overall functions : to
! Develop the Circuit Tourism Plan and strategy with full involvement of Dzongkhag administration and private stakeholders;
! Provide direction and guidance in the implementation of CTDP.
! Ensure that the tourism initiatives contributes to protect, enhance and promote the culture and heritage of the Bhutanese people consistent with the policy on these matters laid down by the Royal Government of Bhutan;
! Develop and improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure and tourism services in the TPS circuit;
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8 In line with TCB (2009) Tourism Bill- The function of TCB. Draft G July 2009 TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%118% ! ! Provide technical and financial support for tourism product and infrastructure development;
! Marketing and Promotion of the TPS circuit for international, regional and domestic tourism.
! Accredit Accommodation Providers, Restaurants, Guides and Tour Operators according to current standardization schemes;
! Resolve issues and offences that pertain to violation of existing tourism regulations by any tourism related business operator (s);
! Supporting capacity building for the host local communities and other relevant partners;
! Disseminate information and awareness creation about the TPS circuit;
! Provide project specific clearances within its control;
! Promotion of Bhutan’s tourism for efficiency and international competitiveness
! Promotion and development of tourism products and services
! Provide, foster and accredit education and vocational training courses provided byeducational institutions and others for the tourism sector in consultation with relevant Ministries and public bodies;
! Stipulate details and guidance for the implementation of this Plan.
! Promote the revival and development of traditional handicrafts and popular arts, festivals and culture in co-operation with relevant ministries and public bodies;
! Encourage investment in hotels, restaurants and other tourism enterprises in the circuit
! Facilitate/or provide training and short term course to enhance customer service care to employees in the tourism sectors
! Promote FDI’s in the circuit while protecting the interest of national counterparts;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%119% !
! Ensure that the plan be adopted proactively to enable an optimal fit between Dzongkhags, communities and the other components of the tourism system.
! Evaluate the ongoing process of the action plan of the CTDP and its impact on the 3 Dzongkhags (both positive and negative).
A. GNH&Commission&
In particular the GNHC Secretariat shall be responsible for the following:
! Incorporate the elements of this CTDP into long-term development goals and milestones for the 3 Dzongkhags;
! Setting tourism priorities alongside national priorities, goals & targets for 5 Year plans aligned with TCB’s plans;
! Encourage the Dzongkhag Planning Officers to carry out their role as key members of the CTC and incorporate tourism in their annual plans, in coordination with TCBS;
! Allocation of resources for development plans and programmes based on national priorities, goals and targets which also includes tourism;
! Support and enhance the capacity of local governance so that the wishes of the people as expressed through the DYT’s and GYT’s are fulfilled as per the provisions of existing local government acts and Chathrims.
! Supervise and support the capacity development of Dzongkhag and Gewog administration to improve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery including tourism.
! Undertake research and policy analysis to bring about coherence and consistency in Royal Government policies, including tourism.
! Conduct impact assessments on how tourism impacted policies, programmes and activities in the TPS circuit using the indicators of GNH to assess achievements for the 3 Dzongkhags and how it affected national goals.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%120% ! B. MOAF (NRED, DoFPS, DoA)
! NRED shall provide support for the implementation of various tourism activities identified in the CTDP implementation (both inside and outside the protected areas and biological corridors) in the TPS circuit and maintain a healthy balance between meeting the development needs of the people without undermining or damaging the natural environment.
! NRED shall act as the main implementing agency for nature-based activities within and outside Park boundaries;
! The park managements shall also closely work with CTC to enhance people‘s participation in planning and implementation of the Integrated Conservation Development Programme pertaining to sustainable management of park resources for income generation and poverty reduction.
! Provide technical-backstopping and guidance in product and infrastructure development in the TPS circuit in consultation with TCBS;
! Act as a facilitator and bridge between the Parks, TCB, ABTO, GAB and other tourism related entities;
! Issue park entry permits upon the fulfillment of the required formalities wherever deemed necessary;
! Manage the funds collected through Park Permits to implement plough-back mechanisms and use it as endowment funds wherever necessary to ensure that the participating communities are benefitted in the long run;
! Carry out regulatory and monitoring functions as and when required so as to create conditions conducive to the smooth functioning and operation of tourism activities in the TPS circuit;
! Explore new product development avenues in liaison with TCB, ABTO and the 3 Parks in the TPS circuit.
! Ecotourism is strongly pursued in protected areas in collaboration with the Tourism Council of Bhutan and tour agencies with the objective of generating sustainable income for park residents from tourism and biodiversity conservation;
! Ensure that the development of nature-based ecotourism products is inline with
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%121% ! the Ecotourism Strategy developed by NRED, wherever applicable. Appendix 3.
! Ensure timely clearance for rural access activities by streamlining the procedure in consultation with relevant certification/clearance agencies.
! DOA to support leasing of Government reserved land for tourism development purposes in the circuit.
! DoA shall provide technical backstopping for Agro-tourism products and also work in consultation with NRED and TCB when external financial assistance is available for Agro-tourism initiatives.
Ministry&of&Home&and&Cultural&Affairs&(MOHCA)&
The Department of Culture under the MOHCA continuously strives to preserve and promote Bhutan’s rich and unique cultural heritage. The long-term objective is to integrate holistically the preservation, promotion and development of the cultural heritage of Bhutan into all areas related to sustainable development.
The Department of Culture’s Role s and Responsibilities include:
! Inventorying and documentation of Cultural Heritage sites to inspire, promote appreciation, conservation and research.
! Framing of proper and relevant legislation and its management for conservation and protection of Cultural Heritage.
! Promotion of cultural industries and vitalization of communities for poverty alleviation, conservation, development and promotion of performing arts.
! Training of communities to create awareness, appreciation and practice of culture.
! Preserve and promote national language, dialects and literature.
! Promoting cultural tourism to ensure the safeguard of the country's cultural heritage.
! Promoting and developing traditional architectural designs for use &
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%122% ! commercialization.
! Establishing institutional linkages, promote and support cultural exchange, workshops and meetings between Bhutan and different countries and regions.
The Bureau of Law and Order’s roles and responsibilities include;
! Ensuring that the TPS circuit is a safe destination for tourism.
The Department of Immigration’s roles and responsibilities include;
! Easy facilitation of entry and special permits for regional visitors entering through Samdrup Jongkhar.
! Maintain detailed visitor statistics with information of tourist movement, profile etc. who visit through Samdrup Jongkhar.
Ministry&of&Economic&Affairs&(MoEA)&
!
! Enhance the capacity of the private sectors, improving access to information, awareness creation and facilitating trade in TPS sector;
! Promote MSMEs through promoting innovation, creation and development of souvenirs and memorabilia based on the TPS circuit brand;
! Strengthen the institutional framework and regulatory environment, enhance capacity building, provide essential business development services and promote access to financial institutions through various schemes to create an enabling environment facilitating the growth of MSMEs.
! Implement and extend the product labelingscheme – the “Bhutan Seal” initiative to the following:
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%123% ! • Certificate of provenance – Handmade in Bhutan • A Quality seal – Master Piece Limited Edition. Interpretation such as what is it? What is it for – how long does it take to make. Name of producer and their village etc.
Dzongkhag&Administration&
Dzongkhag Administrations (DA) of the 3 Dzongkhags in the TPS circuit will be responsible to implement the CTDP. The Plan is made in consultation with the DA to engage them from the very start of tourism planning. Dzongkhag Administrations have distinct political and administrative functions that focus on development and delivery of basic services in their respective Dzonghags. The role played by the DA is also an integral part of tourism development. With the greater recognition of tourism as a key sector and with the decentralised tourism planning policy at Circuit/Dzongkhag level, the role of DA has become increasingly important in initiating, facilitating and supporting the development of tourism for the benefit of visitors, residents, businesses enterprises and the environment.
Under the Local Governments Act, DA can develop policies and plans, which ensures and provides social and economic services for the general wellbeing of the residents of the communities in a sustainable and equitable manner. They are in the position to protect and conserve existing and potential attractions such as outstanding natural landscapes, attractive location with cultural, historical and activity of interest. However, the budgetary constraints are placing considerable strain on the ability of DA to participate in non-statutory services such as tourism. Therefore, it is essential that DA work in collaboration with TCB and private sectors to tackle tourism issues and functions. The three key roles for the Dzongkhag administrations are to:
! Provide a strategic and operational role in maintaining a high quality physical environment and cultural attractions along with tourism superstructures for visitors;
! Provide linkages and continuity of policy between different service sector and agencies, which are essential to a sustainable tourism Destination;
! Ensure that the needs of the whole destination, including residents, businesses, and the environment, are represented and considered in the management of tourism.
The various sectors of the Dzongkhag Administration should contribute to the following tourism related services.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%124% ! Table 21 - Functions of tourism stakeholders at the Dzongkhag Level
Sector& Policy&and&Administration&functions&relevant&to& tourism.&& Tourism!Council!of!Bhutan! Overall!Tourism!Planning,!Management,!Budgeting,! Monitoring!and!reporting.! Ministry!of!Agriculture!and!Forestry! Protection!and!sustainable!use!of!forests,!wildlife!and! Services! related!natural!resources.!! Park!fees!and!maintenance!of!trails!and!waste! management.! Ministry!of!Education! English!in!primary!and!secondary!school!curriculum.! Tourism!awareness!programs!secondary!school! curriculum.! Student!exchange.! Permission!to!visit!schools.! Ministry!of!Immigration! Route!permits,!record!keeping!and!reporting! Ministry!of!Health!! Traditional!Medicinal!Institute! First!aid!training!for!tour!guides! Sexual!awareness!campaigns! Ministry!of!Home!and!Cultural! Decisions!about!which!areas!are!open!for!tourism!and! Affairs!! which!are!closed.! Oversight!of!Local!Government.! Regulations!under!which!Dzongs,!monasteries!and!other! cultural!heritage!properties!are!open!to!visitors.! Documentation!of!Cultural!assets!(temples,!tshechus,!local! folklore)!! Ministry!of!Information!and! Filming!rights,!! Communications!! Air!services!services! Ministry!of!Labour!and!Human! Labour!conditions,!Vocational!Training,!specialized! Resources! tourism!trainings,!internships.! Ministry!of!Economic!Affairs! Handicrafts!development,!Licensing!(RTIOs),!certification! of!products.! Ministry!of!Works!and!Human! Road!and!Bridge!Construction,!planning!around!trekking! Settlement!! trails!etc.!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%125% ! National!Environment!Commission! Environmental!Impact!Assessment!! Dzongkhag!Drangpon’s!Office! Legislation!and!contract!enforcement!!
Private&Sector&
Here the private sector mainly represents tourism suppliers at the destination level who are individual and private enterprises irrespective of their sizes in the tourism industry. These suppliers are tour operators, hoteliers, farmhouse owners, restaurants, car/bike rentals, horse contractors, farmhouse owners, handicraft producers and shopkeepers etc.
The private sector is the intermediary between visitors and the destination. Whilst the CTDP will facilitate tourism and create an enabling environment, the suppliers are ultimately responsible for the development of the circuit. Given that international leisure visitors have to visit Bhutan through a local tour operator, their role is even more crucial to ensure increased visitation to the east. Many visitors during the exit surveys have indicated that tour operators have a significant influence in determining their holidays. With the decentralised tourism planning, the suppliers in the circuitplay a very important role in meeting the objectives of the TPS circuit as a sustainable destination. Some of the major roles are:
! Marketing and promotion of the TPS destination.
! Invest in tourism superstructures such as standard hotels, restaurants, handicrafts, transport facilities etc. With market opportunities, the TPS circuit is expected to attract investment.
! The private sector shouldincorporate sustainable practices to advocate the circuit brand to consumers and strive for industry excellence, ethics and fair practices.
! Build high level of customer relationship management
! Participate in the preparation of investment guidelines and marketing strategies in consultation with TCB and other stakeholders.
! Undertake industry training and manpower development to achieve excellence in quality of services.
! Facilitate and ensure tourists safety and security
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%126% !
! Help ensure the preservation and protection of tourist attractions, culture heritage, traditional values and the environment.
! Attract FDI partnerships in the TPS circuit.
! Ensure that investment, employment; operational and other business decisions take full account of the wider implications of such actions for the long-term development and economic sustainability of the destination.
38 Industry&Excellence&Awards&for&the&Private&Sector& !
The tourism industry is a competitive sector and visitors are becoming more discerning about tour operators and hotels. Tourism businesses are also gradually beginning to incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies in their business to be recognized as a responsible business that visitors want to use. This recognition for good business practices and sustainable tourism gives businesses a marketing edge. However, whilst the motivation to implement CSR policies is there amongst businesses, an absence of a recognition system does not encourage businesses to put their CSR policies into effective implementation.
It is proposed that TCB should reward responsible businesses through an industry excellence award system. Businesses should be meritedfor best practices if they get involved in one of the following initiatives in the circuit (or anywhere in the country).
! Use local guides, local cooks and local sourcing and encourage them to continually improve their quality, to ensure that the community speaks for itself and to increase the revenues going into the local community (by higher fees for quality tours). Tour operators are willing to sub-contract tours to the east given the high transportation costs from Thimphu to the TPS circuit.
! Support the development of sustainable local handicraft enterprise by assisting with improvement of design, marketing, production and packaging skills for craft workers in relation to developing souvenirs in the circuit.
! Invest in farmhouses and draw contracts with local residents to market their homes for rural homestay experiences.
! Help local communities or emergent entrepreneurs to develop their product so that it can be more easily used by others and marketed to tourists.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%127% !
! Identify and implement at least one project that will benefit the poor.
! Create opportunities for visitors to interact with locals in an unstructured, spontaneous manner (e.g. through sporting activities, visits to local schools, visits to the fields).
! Work with conservation authorities to ensure that their business contributes to conserving natural heritage areas. For example donations for conservation products such as development of waste management systems, distributing solar panels, water purifiers to reduce the use of plastic bottles, recycling plants, support initiatives under the Intergrated Conservation Development Program implemented by NRED etc.Also by organizing clean-up campaigns, waste segregation etc.
! Hotels that actively promote the cultural heritage of Bhutan and to show case local art and craft products as soft furnishings and in the décor of hotel – by creating linkages where tourists could purchase the art and craft work they see in the hotel from the producers.
! Hotels and tour operators that support local sourcing and creating linkages with local food producers adds to the quality of the experience for the guests and assists in spreading the benefits of tourism to the local community – feature seasonal foods and dishes.
! Buy locally–made goods and use locally–provided services from locally-owned businesses wherever quality, quantity, and consistency permits.
! Consider schemes to encourage local co-operation and civic pride like an “adopt a school” initiative or ‘adopt a street’, or other local area near the hotel. Work with local government and the local community to identify priority sites, and make them attractive for tourists.
Recommendation
Develop a comprehensive system for “Industry Excellence Awards” based on a set of criteria that fosters conservation, social-benefits, community participation etc.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%128% ! CHAPTER&6&–&TOURISM&INVESTMENT&FRAMEWORK& !
Tourism growth and development is generally spearheaded by the government and driven by private sector, and implicit within any tourism planning initiative is a potential market. Given that the TPS circuit has a very small market at the moment, concerted efforts from all the sections of the government is needed to improve the general attractiveness of the circuit. Once the destination starts to attract a viable market, the private sector will start investing in tourism superstructures. Tourism Investment Framework (TIF) for the circuit aims to provide a practical direction as to how public sector focus on investment in infrastructure can begin to create an enabling environment for private sector investment.
The different types of infrastructure linking product to market are as follows:
! Transport infrastructure –includes elements required to safely and efficiently transport the tourist to the circuit such as good roadworks, air accessibility etc.
! Delivery infrastructure - based on the existence of an adequate transport network, the delivery infrastructure includes the elements required to sustain the TCP i.e. information and amenities, electricity, water, security, public transport, etc.); and
! Locational infrastructure (product) - includes the scenic or built environment, culture, trade and commerce, tourism attractions such as day hikes, treks, biking etc. necessary to ensure that the TCP is able to attract tourists.
Since the circuit has never been an attractive destination, the developmental efforts of the government up until recently has never included tourism in the overall planning of the 3 Dzongkhags. Its focus is mainly on rural access, agriculture and other welfare sectors such as health and education to improve the general standard of living of rural communities. As a result tourism infrastructure is the circuit is weak and the motivation from the private sector to invest in tourism superstructures have been insignificant hitherto. Given that the local communities have limited knowledge and experience in the tourism sector, the government, especially through TCB should invest in product development as a result of less interest levels for public-private partnerships.
The infrastructure investment requirements identified are primarily supply side measures. By investing in the supply side, it is possible to achieve future leverage on private sector investment. Synergies at a supply level could also result in public and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%129% ! private sector partnerships in the future.
As mentioned, public sector must lead tourism development by investing in transport and delivery infrastructure to allow private sector to drive growth through investment in accommodation, product and other locational infrastructure.
This chapter provides direction through the identification of specific hard and soft infrastructurerequirements in the TPS circuit.
Hard&infrastructure&requirements&
Hard infrastructure for tourism refers to the physical and tangible infrastructural elements that allow consumption of products. Hard infrastructure is not only necessary to facilitate tourism activity, but is also utilised by industrial and commercial sectors and the general public. The government is therefore responsible for the effective provision of such infrastructural elements to ensure the viability and growth of commercial, industrial and tourism sectors as well as to create good living environments for its residents.
This includes the following:
! Transport infrastructure that play a role in delivering tourism markets to products by providing access and facilitates the dispersal and movement of visitors;
! Information points and road-side amenities such as rest-points, viewpoints, cafeteria with restrooms etc. that support overall tourism experiences; and
! Utility services that is required for the operation and functioning of tourism products and facilities.
The development of appropriate tourism products and facilities, combined with improvement of transport infrastructure will certainly help tourism in the TPS circuit. However, ensuring an overall satisfaction levels of visitors also requires public sector investment in tourist information and amenities such as information centres, visible unmanned information points, cafeterias and restrooms, interpretive signage at attractions and roads providing direction and information about the place. In the TPS circuit, signage for tourism purposes is only seen in SWS along the Merak Sakteng Trek.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%130% ! Information centre in areas of existing product strength and tourist activity with limited investment is required. The development of unmanned information points at certain attractions and in strategic locations along roads i.e. route map boards, interpretive information displays/bays, etc. will support information centre.
Tourism signage along major roads and routes is another area where public sector investment is required. NRED is planning a universal signage system within the Parks. Signage along trekking routes and other nature-based attractions should also highlight a ‘Code of Conduct’ to ensure that the wildlife and ecology is undisturbed.
DANTAK who maintains the Samdrup-Jongkhar highway has used very interesting and “quirky” signage along the highway that captures the attention of travellers. Such ideas can be extended throughout the TPS circuit in conjunction with new product development and upgrading of road infrastructure. Signage used by the private sector businesses along the roads can be streamlined with the general design of the hard infrastructures along the way.
Other amenities also include sufficient and strategically placed waste bins and disposal pits, pedestrian paths etc.Such public amenities will play an important role in ensuring that the visitor experience is comfortable, safe and enjoyable.
Recommendation
! Information centres should be developed at the Yongphula airport, in Samdrup Jongkhar town (close to the entry/exit gate), and Pema Gatshel town, Merak and Sakteng villages. The SWS Park Office in Phongmey can serve as an information centre.
! Cafeteria and restroom should be developed at Sershingthang, Bephu in Trashigang and Deothang, Samdrup Jongkhar. Cafeteria in Deothang to serve as Information centre for the proposed canopy hike and Deothang – Phuntshothang bird watching trail. Private enterprises who are interested to build cafeterias should be supported.
! Viewpoints in Trashigang town next to the police station as identified by DA.
! Waste disposal pits along the proposed treks.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%131% ! Soft&infrastructure&requirements&
Soft infrastructure refers to the intangible intellectual, managerial, administrative and technical support elements that in conjunction with appropriate hard infrastructure supply attract private sector investment in tourism product. Soft infrastructure includes elements such as management and marketing, skills training and human resource development, business support, research and development, etc. In addition to facilitating investment in new product, soft infrastructure creates an enabling environment in which tourism businesses can grow.
Management&and&marketing&
Tourism management and marketing by public sector relate to a range of administrative issues and marketing of the municipality as a destination. This may include the following:
! Liaison with product owners, private sector tourism associations, communities, publicsector stakeholders, etc.; ! Collection and analysis of tourism data and distributing findings and other tourismtrade information available to relevant tourism stakeholders; ! Source and secure funding for public sector tourism development initiatives; ! Oversee and coordinate the implementation of tourism investment projects; ! Representing and marketing the destination at domestic trade shows; ! Producing and distributing relevant marketing material, coordinate all tourism marketing initiatives, etc.; and ! Raise awareness of tourism among residents.
Skills&training&and&human&resource&development&
Tourism is a labour intensive sector, which requires specific types of skills. The availability of appropriately skilled human resources is another factor that attracts investors. TheTPS circuit has very almost no skilled hospitality staff and human resources. As a result many businesses are utilizing Indian workers. Investment by public sector in this regard should be focused on training and development of local residents to fill human resource gaps in tourism. Such investment may include making venues available for training programmes, contributing to course material, sponsoring students on specific courses, reskilling unemployed workers, introduce in-house training programmes with product owners, etc. Further opportunity exists in the creation of partnerships with product owners, tourism education bodies, training by TCB, NRED etc. to facilitate capacity building.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%132% !
Recommendation
A comprehensive hospitality course ranging for 1 to 3 months should be organized in the circuit (Trashigang or Samdrupjongkhar) in the field of cooking, front desk management, food and beverage, room keeping etc. Residents from the circuit should be encouraged to participate in the course. The Training Needs Assessment that is being conducted at the moment should provide details on the curriculum.
There are many areas of business support in which public sector can invest ranging from initiative to encourage small enterprise development, to assisting established businesses to become more efficient and profitable. Investment may include lessons on hosting tourism seminars and discussion groups, launching various support initiatives or programmes (business start-up, marketing, funding, etc.), streamlining legislative processes, etc. Suchbusiness support initiative will contribute to the facilitation of private sector investment in new product development, upgrading of facilities and improvement of service levels.
Capacity development should also focus on upgrading the skills and knowledge levels of the CTC members especially in general awareness on the tourism industry and destination management.
Programmes of education within school curricula, and public awareness within communities, are needed regarding the potential positive and negative aspects of tourism.
Interpretation material and visitor information centres should be developed in consultation with local communities.
Research&and&development&
Research and development as a soft infrastructure element is closely linked to business support and may comprise of market and product development research, analysis and interpretation of research data, strategy formulation, information provision, etc. related to tourism that provide direction for development. Public sector tourism stakeholders on various levels maintain their own data and it is very important that a reporting framework for data and knowledge sharing is institutionalized.
Investment is required for various specific researches that are proposed in this report, and also to monitor progress in the future and in turn guide tourism growth and development in the TPS circuit. Such information will also contribute to the formulation TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%133% ! of a Private Sector Investment Strategy, Mining and Industrial Tourism plan, Tourism Transformation Strategy, etc. or specific initiatives such as development of Investor Packages, Tourism Fact Sheets, etc. The development and implementation of a tourism information and research system at the destination level will be a valuable tool for structured decision making, clear definition of responsibilities and the commitment and level of engagement from stakeholders.
39 Facilitation&of&tourism&investment&opportunities&
One of the primary roles of TCB and the CTC is to attract and facilitate investment into existing and new tourism initiatives in the circuit by adopting a strategic and a targeted approach. The tourism industry enjoys significant incentives for investment in the sector. The TCB in collaboration with the Department of Revenue and Customs has extended special incentives for those investing in the TPS circuit. As a result, businesses are now gradually investing in the TPS circuit. New hotels are under construction and a FDI luxury hotel is being planned in Trashigang. It is felt that the incentive schemes should be marketed well to create awareness amongst investors.
Fiscal&Incentives&for&those&investing&in&the&eastern&circuits&
! A 15-year income tax holiday is provided to new high-end hotels. Other areas only get up to 10 years tax holidays on income.
! A reinvestment allowance of 50% of total capital expenditure incurred shall be provided for the up-gradation of the existing hotels. Other areas only get 25%.
! The Income Tax Act has been amended to allow entertainment expenses up to 5% of the assessed net profit.
! Service Tax is not levied based on rack rates of the hotels but on published or actual charged discounted room rents.
! Tax on import of furniture and fixtures etc. for tourist-class hotels are exempted, including equipment used in the hotel.
! Daily tourist tariff/royalty has been waived for foreign participants in meetings, international conventions and exhibitions (MICE).
! Tax exemptions on the import of tourist standard vehicles (currently revoked).
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%134% !
Non&Fiscal&Incentives&(for&FDI)&
! Employment of foreign nationals (in executive, supervisory, technical or advisory positions).
! Special investors' resident visa for foreign nationals who have invested in Bhutan. ! Right to repatriation of investments. ! Right to remit earnings in the currency in which the investment was originally made.
FDI&in&Bhutan&
In case of 5-star and above category hotels with minimum project cost of Nu. 200 million, a 100% equity through FDI is allowed by Royal Government of Bhutan. In case of 4-star hotels with minimum project cost of Nu. 25 million, only 75% equity are allowed by way of FDI. The government provides various incentives to tourism projects.There are FDI high-end hotel brands in operation at the moment and another few under construction. While most of these hotels are concentrated in popular destinations, a luxury hotel by Zinc hospitality is being planned in Trashigang. This is expected to raise the profile and image of the TPS circuit in the coming years.
A recent analysis shows that, while Bhutan is favourable for FDI, there are many challenges that do not enable it. The figure below shows the overall rating which reveals the most important and least important factor affecting FDI in tourism sector of Bhutan. The social and cultural condition of Bhutan is the most attractive reason for investors to invest in tourism sector of country. The political stability and legal environment of the country became the second most important reason for FDI in tourism sector, followed by the market situation. The respondents believe that geographical location as the least important amongst the above stated factors, as it doesn’t have much impact on their investment. However in the case of tourism, several endeavours by TCB to attract FDI investment in the east, have not materialized as expected, given the small market at the moment.
The study concluded that constraints like small market, location factor, poor infrastructure and transport bottlenecks make it unfavourable for FDI. The other constraints in the country are relatively high transportation cost, high cost of labor, and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%135% ! the unavailability of skilled and unskilled labor to match the market demand. Figure 28 - Overall Ratings of factors that determine FDI in Bhutan
Source: Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Umesh N. Jadhav, Elangbam Haridev Singh, Dr. Achintya Mahapatra
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%136% ! Recommendation !
! The Tourism Bill should be passed and ratified as the Tourism Act to empower the Tourism Council of Bhutan to provide the right incentives for investors to build superstructures in the circuit. Chapter 5 –Economic and Development Activity in Tourism deals with many practical incentive schemes to encourage investment in the most needed regions.
! FDI should be allowed for 3-star properties in the TPS circuit. Currently FDI in the hotel sector is only permissible for 4-star and 5-star hotels, which is cost intensive. Given that most of the accommodation providers are currently unaccredited due to inadequate standards, some 3-star FDI properties with medium investments would raise accommodation standards and image of the circuit.
! Many hotels in the TPS circuit that were interviewed during the assessment mentioned that constraints such as no access to credit, loans and the Rupee crisis prevents hotel owners from upgrading their properties to qualify for accreditation. There should be provisions of government providing loans for businesses to upgrade their facilities.
! Tour operators who bring in at least 50international leisure tourists to the TPS circuit in a year and that enter and exit the circuit by air contributing highly to the aviation sector, should be exempted from tax in respect of income derived from those arrivals. The TCB could also focus on channel marketing partnering with top offshore agents to sell packages to eastern Bhutan.
! Added fiscal incentives should be provided to encourage tourism projects to be green and eco-friendly.
! TCB should participate in hotel related trade fairs to sensitize on the incentives packages provided for investment in the circuit.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%137% ! !
&
CHAPTER&7^&TOURISM&IMPLEMENTATION&STRATEGY&
The tourism action programme identifies broad actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired growth and development of tourism in the TPS circuit that will ultimately result in the realisation its vision to create a unique ecotourism experience in Bhutan, TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%138% ! especially ideal for winter visitation. In developing the action programme, critical success factors have been considered for tourism development. To allow for easy interpretation, the recommendations are summarized and presented in a tabular format. The tables contain a matrix of specific actions, a time frame to indicate whether short, medium or long term timeframe, who is the lead agency, the stakeholders and other remarks.
The recommendations are listed and presented under appropriate planning themes such as organizational development, infrastructure development and investment incentives, product developments, marketing and promotion and human resource development.
The proposed implementation plan was informally placed into a loose 3-phase plan as follows:
• Priority (1-2 Years): The “Priority” term means that the action plans should be implemented within 1-2 years. This focuses on developing the most important and priority products/services to start promoting the TPS circuit.
• Medium term (3-5 Years): The “medium term” requires intensive effort by the responsible agencies in developing and improving new and existing attractions and facilities which could take up to 3-5 years of time.
• Longer term (5 Years and above): In the “longer term” development of attraction/activities will only happen at the later stage due to its complexity, or other wise can only be done only after the completion of the immediate and medium term plans.
40 Action&Plan&
1. Organisational&Development& !
Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organisati Supports (Nu) on
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%139% ! 1.!Establishment!of!Circuit!Tourism! TCB! NRED,!DA,! Completed! )! Formed!as!part! Committee!(CTC)! GNHC,!DoC,! of!this!study! Private!Sector! March! 2013!
2.!Appointment!of!Destination! TCB! )! Completed! Funded! After!3!years,! Steward/Circuit!Tourism!Officer! by! TCB!will!fund! March! UNIDO! 2013! for!3! years!
3.!Adopt!the!Circuit!Tourism! TCB! CTC! Priority! )! Formal!event! Development!Plan! proposed!to!also! July!2013! formalize!the! CTC!members!
4.!Ratification!of!Tourism!Bill!into! TCB! TCB! Priority! ! Cabinet! Tourism!Act! (should! Secretariat!has! target! asked!for!multi) 2014!NA! stakeholder! session)! review!
Development!of!a!Circuit!Tourism! TCB! CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.3!m! Can!be!based!on! Bylaws!clearly!stating!the!roles!and! the!format! responsibilities!of!the!CTC! July!2013! developed!for! Merak!Sakteng! trek!by!NRED!
Develop!a!comprehensive!system!for! TCB! NRED,!ABTO,! Priority! Nu.!1.0!m! To!encourage! Industry!Excellence!Awards!and! HAB,!GAB! estimate CSR!policies.! Recognition!system! d!
!
!
!
2. Access&and&Internal&Transportation& !
Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organisati Supports (Nu)
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%140% ! on
Discussion!on!opening!Bathpalathang! Drukair! TCB,!ABTO,! Medium! )! To!offset!loses! airport!as!an!international!sector!! Tour! for!Drukair!on! Tashi!Air! Operators! Domestic!flights! and!make!it! affordable!for! visitors!to!fly! directly!to! central!and! eastern!Bhutan!
Completion!of!Terminal!Buildings!and! DCA! TCB,!ABTO,! Ongoing!to! )! Ongoing! other!airport!infrastructure!and!facilities! HAB! Medium! for!Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula! airports!
Tashi!Air!flights!to!Domestic!sectors! Tashi!Air! RGOB,!TCB,! Priority! ! Domestic!flights! Bathpalathang!and!Yongphula! ABTO! have!less!traffic! Scheduled! but!has!to! August! operate! 2013! domestic!as!per! agreement!with! RGOB!
Domestic!sectors!to!be!consistent!during! Drukair,! TCB! Priority!– ! Spring!season! winter!to!encourage!visitation!to!the!TPS! Tashi!Air! Medium) has!experienced! circuit! ABTO! Long!term! many! ! cancellations!of! flights!due!to! weather!
Completion!of!Trashigang!!)!Samdrup! DANTAK! ALL! Ongoing! ! Almost! Jongkhar!highway! Priority! completed!
Blacktopping!of!new!farm!and!feeder! DoR! ALL! Medium! ! To!be!completed! roads!in!Pema!Gatshel,!Kangpara,!Merak! in!the!11th!FYP! and!Sakteng,!Trashigang! Period!
Completion!of!Gyelposhing!–!Nganglam! DoR! ALL! Ongoing! ! Better!access!to! highway,!Tsebar)Mikuri!feeder!road! P/Gatshel!from! Medium! Mongar!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%141% ! DoI!officials!still!checking!Route!Permits! DoI! GNHC,!TCB,! Priority! ! Requirement!of! even!after!the!implementation!of! ABTO! Route!Permit! Negative!list.!It!should!not!be!required! revoked!as!per! anymore!for!internal!transfer! RGOB!directives!
Local!Transport! RSTA! TCB,!Local! Priority! ! ! People! •%%Improvement%in%the%standardand% Cleanliness%of%the%localtransportation%in% the%circuit.%
Facilitate%and%enhance%taxi%services%or%car% Private! DA/TCB! Medium) ! Many!Tour! rental%facilities%within%the%circuit%for% Sector! Long!term! Operators!do!not! international,%domestic,%expatriates%and% drive!in!India! regional%tourists%especially%between% fearing!risks! S/Jongkhar%to%Guwahati.%PreYpaid%Indian% taxi%%for%international%visitors%to%travel% between%Samdrup%Jongkhar%and%Guwahati% in%order%to%ensure%safety.%
Improve%Tshelinghor%to%Pema%Gatshel% DoR/DA/Dr All! Medium! ! Bad!roads! Stretch%of%the%highway% uk!Satair! mainly!used!by! trucks!from!Druk! Satair! Corporation!
Encourage%and%promote%bicycling%/% Private! All! Priority! ! Immediate! mountain%bike%rental%and%repairing%services% Sector! potential! in%the%TPS%circuit%especially%in%S/Jongkhar.% because!of! existing!routes!
Development%of%Computerised%Permit% DoI! TCB! Priority! ! ! Issuance%Systems%at%Bhutan%Gate%at% Samdrup%Jongkhar%with%record%keeping.%
Develop%a%comprehensive%Industry% TCB! NRED,!ABTO,! Priority! Nu.!1.0!m! ! Excellence%Award%system%for%responsible% GAB,!HAB! estimate! businesses%
& !
3. Infrastructure&Development&and&Investment&Incentives& !
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%142% ! Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organisati Supports (Nu) on
Development!of!Farmhouses!in!Merak! SWS! IFAD,!DA,! Priority! Nu.!14!m! Funding!agency! and!Sakteng!as!part!of!the!overall!Agro) MAGIP,!TCB! for!the! IFAD,!RGOB! tourism!project! September! entire! 2013! agro) tourism! project!!
Development!of!Farmhouses!in! Community! CTC,!DA,!TCB,! Priority! Cost) ! Rongthong!and!Khaling.!Tour!Operators! Residents,! DoA! sharing! should!draw!contracts!to!market!the! Tour! ! farmhouses.!Sensitize!stakeholders!with! operators! Farmhouse!development!guidelines! developed!by!TCB!
Development!of!Viewpoint!in!Trashigang! DA! CTC,!TCB! Priority! Nu.!3.7!m! ! near!the!police!camp! estimate d!by!DA!
Cafeteria!with!Restrooms!in!Deothang,! CTC! TCB,!DA! Priority!)! ! ! and!Bephu,!Trashigang! Medium!
Development!of!Information!centres!in! CTC,!DA! TCB,!NRED! Priority! ! ! S/Jongkhar,!Merak!and!Sakteng,! Yongphula!airport!
Signage!along!attractions! CTC,!DA! NRED,!TCB! Medium!to! ! ! Longterm!
Discuss!with!local!hoteliers!how!existing! Private! TCB! Medium! ! Some!hoteliers! hotels!can!be!upgraded!by!looking!into! Sector! term! seemed!to!have! funding!possibilities!in!terms!of!loans.! low!interest! Sensitize!on!the!provisions!and!benefits! levels!to!be! of!accreditation.! registered.!!
Construction!of!a!suspension!bridge!and! DA! TCB,!MoWHS! Medium! ! Will!benefit!local! wildlife!watchtower!near!Radhing! residents!also! Campsite!on!the!Salk!Route!Trek.!!
Discuss!with!MoE!to!convert!the! DA,!Thelphu! TCB,!MoE,! Priority) ! ! abandoned!Thelphu!Community!School! Community! CTC! Medium! into!a!community)run!lodge!along!the!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%143% ! proposed!Wamrong)Bidingphu!Trek!
Development%of%campsites/camping% CTC! TCB,!NRED! Priority) ! Salk!Route!Trek,! grounds%along%proposed%attractions% Medium! Lotus!Valley! Trek!
Wamrong) Bidingphu!Trek!
Development%of%a%Private%Sector%Tourism% TCB! CTC,!ABTO! Priority! ! ! Investment%Strategy%clearly%outlining%added% incentives%and%create%awareness%about%tax% holidays,%duty%exemption,%import%of%goods% and%equipment,%soft%motivators%etc.%TPS% circuit%to%be%Royalty%Free%Zone.%
Based%on%the%investment%strategy,%Attract% Private! TCB,!NRED! Priority) ! ! private%sector%investors%to%develop%new% Sector,!HAB! Medium) and%additionalaccommodation%options%in% Long!term! key%distribution%points%
Accreditation%of%Farmhouses%for%TCB% TCB! Communities,! Medium! ! ! weblisting%% ABTO,!HAB!
Development%of%local%farmers%market%in% DA,!CTC! TCB,!MoAF! Priority) ! Budget!for! Merak,%Sakteng%and%Pema%Gatshel% Medium! Merak,!Sakteng! committed! through!IFAD!
Feasibility%and%development%the%Gasey% DA,!CTC! TCB,!DoC,!! Medium! ! The!ruins!can!be! Ganapati%Phodrang%in%Trashigang%into%a% an!added!value! Museum%(theme%on%rural%Bhutan)% for!the!museum!
Invite%private%sectors%for%proposal%to%open% Private! TCB,!MoA,! Priority) ! Interested! coffee%shop%or%expand%existing%restaurant% Sector! NRED,!MoEA! Medium) entrepreneurs! facilities,%which%would%also%function%as%the% Long!term! willing!to!invest! visitors%information%centre%(VIC)%providing% information%to%visitors%on%the%attractions% and%other%related%information.%Priority%to% be%given%to%entrepreneurs%from%the%TPS% circuit.%
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%144% ! Facilitate%and%create%easy%access%to% DA,!CTC! BDBL,!BoB,! Medium! ! ! loan/credit%and%micro%financing%fund%for% BNB! the%existing%and%potential%community% entrepreneurs%of%the%
Dzongkhag%for%tourism%activity%and% ventures%
Encourage%and%support%private%sector%in% Private! TCB,!MoAF,! Medium!–! ! Recycling!plant! developing%a%Recycling%Plant%in%Trashigang,% Sector,!CTC,! MoEA,!BDBL! Long!term! proposed!under! Samdrup%Jongkhar% DA! Agro)tourism! ! project!in!Merak! and!Sakteng!
Waste%disposal%pits%along%Lotus%Valley%trek,% DA! CTC,!TCB,! Medium) ! ! Wamrong%–Bidingphu%trek%etc.%% MoAF,!NRED! Long!term!
4. Product&Development& !
Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organis Supports (Nu) ation
1. Merak&Sakteng&Trek& SWS,!DA! IFAD,!MAGIP,! On)going! Nu.!14!m! Funded!by!IFAD! • Upgrade!the!Community)based! TCB,!NRED! committe and!RGOB.! tourism!Merak!Sakteng!Trek!as!an!Agro) Priority! d!for!the! Merak!Sakteng! tourism!experience!by!bridging!the!gap! entire! trek!to!be! between!the!visitors!and!the!farmers!in! Agro) upgraded!as!the! the!communities.!Farmhouse!stays,! organic!farming,!infrastructure! tourism! main!attraction! development,!capacity!development!are! Project! of!TPS! prioritized!activities! ! • Merak!Sakteng!Trek!should!also!be! upgraded!as!a!eco)friendly!attraction!by! installing!water!purifiers!to!discourage! plastic!water!bottles,!use!of!solar)panels! for!heating!and!lighting,!proper!water! management!etc.! ! • Popular!festivals!such!as!Terchham! in!Sakteng!and!Jomokora!to!be!marketed.!! • Merak!Sakteng!should!be!featured!as!! a!sustainable!trek!on!popular!guidebooks! TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%145% ! such!as!Lonely!Planet!and!Tourism! Concern! 2. Salt&Route&Trek& CTC,!LG! TCB,!NRED,! July!2013! Nu.!1.7! The!trek! • The!trek!should!be!officially!launched! DA! already! typically! • by!conducting!a!FAM!visit!for!tour! Priority! invested! functions!like!a! operators.!Product!packaging!is!complete.! in!trail! circuit!by! Suspension!bridge!near!Radhing! • develop connecting!the!3! camp!area!is!needed!for!better!access! and!comfort! ment.! Dzongkkhags.! • Preparation!of!Bylaws!required!to! Due!to!very!less! manage!the!trek.!Identify!pony! contractors.! residents!along! • The!trek!should!not!be!developed!as! the!way,!CBT!is! a!nature)based!trek!with!no! not!advised.! compulsory!community!services! involved.!Community!participation! should!be!encouraged!only!on!public) private!partnerships.!! • Signage!to!be!developed!in! consultation!with!NRED! • Tourism!awareness!campaigns! should!to!be!conducted!to!educate! communities!along!the!trek!(not! many).! • Development!of!brochures,! pamphlets,!maps,!inclusion!in!TCB’s! website,!Lonely!Planet!Guide!etc.! 3. Lotus&Valley&Trek& CTC,! TCB,!NRED! Priority) Estimate Good!for!wildlife,! • To!be!developed!as!a!prime!product! P/Gatshe Medium!! d!budget! birdwatching,! for!rural!tourism!in!P/Gatshel! l!DA,!LG! Nu.!4!m! rural!tourism,! connecting!different!villages.!Ideal!for! arts!and!crafts,! winter.! textiles!etc.!! • Minor!trail!maintenance!required!in! some!parts!between!Nimdosa!to! Dungkhar!Lhakhang.!!! • Dungkhar!Tsechu,!which!is!observed! in!March!to!be!developed!as!a!prime! festival!along!the!trek!route.! • Camping!grounds!identified.! • Bylaws!to!manage!the!trek!should!be! developed!especially!for!pony!services!to! ensure!equitable!participation!from! villages.! • Infrastructure!such!as!viewpoints,! lunch!spots,!information!centre,!disposal! pits!need!to!be!developed.!! • Interested!community!residents! should!be!encouraged!to!invest!in!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%146% ! managed!campsites!with!support!from! TCB!on!cost)sharing!basis.! • Capacity!development!and! awareness!creation!programs.! • Guides!to!be!trained!in!wildlife! guiding!as!the!stretch!between!Mongling! and!Dungkhar!lhakhang!(1!day)!has!a! strong!presence!of!elephants,!tigers!and! other!wildlife.! • Product!packaging,!FAM!tours!and! marketing!collateral!to!be!done.! 4. Chenla&Trek& ! ! ! ! Recommended! • The!Trek!was!found!to!have!very! for!future! little!appeal!and!not!feasible.& purposes.!
• Wamrong&Bidingphu&Village&Trek& CTC,!DA,! TCB,!NRED,! Priority! Nu.!4!m! Ready!to!be! • Ideal!for!village!tourism!focusing!on! LG! MoAF! estimate operated.!! Kangpara!Gewog& ! d! • Trail!in!good!condition!used!by!local! residents& • Good!location!for!camping!grounds& • Potential!to!convert!the!abandoned! Thelphu!Community)school,!into!a! community)lodge!managed!by!local! people.& • Good!trek!with!agro)tourism!and! homestay!potential.!& • Bylaws!to!manage!the!trek!should!be! developed!especially!for!pony! services!to!ensure!equitable! participation!from!villages.! • Good!potential!for!combining!it!with! mountain!biking.& • Signage!and!information!centre!to!be! developed& • Product!packaging,!FAM!tours!and! marketing!collateral!to!be!done.& 5. Ecohike/Canopy&walk/&from& ! ! ! ! ! Samdrup&Jongkhar&town&to& Deothang& • Technical!feasibility!on!the!ecology! should!be!conducted!to!see!if!a! combination!of!an!eco)hike!and!a! canopy!walkway!is!possible.! Dzongkhag!Forestry!Officials!believe! that!the!area!is!also!used!by! elephants!as!their!migration!tracks,! therefore!a!canopy!walk!would!be!a!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%147% ! good!attraction!for!a!walking!safari.! The!area!is!also!rich!in!other!flora! and!fauna.!& 6. Biking&and&Bird&Watching&from& CTC,!DA! NRED,!TCB! Priority! Nu.!2!m! ! Deothang&–&Samdrupcholing& estimate (Bangtar)& d! • Rich!avi)fauna!along!the!road.!A! good!soft!adventure!and!day!trip!to! Samdrupcholing.!& • Guaranteed!sightings!of!Hornbills& • The!proposed!cafeteria!and! Information!centre!in!Deothang!to! serve!as!starting!point.& • Signage!along!the!road.& • Inventory!of!birds!to!be!created!& • Hotel!in!Deothang!to!be!encouraged! to!have!bike!rentals.!Import!of!bikes! can!be!duty!exempted.& • Bon!festival!in!Khirkhirley!to!be! marketed!and!packaged.& • Develop!pamphlets,!brochures!to!be! distributed!in!hotels!in!S/Jongkhar& 7. Game&Fishing&in&Gongri&chhu&and& CTC,!DA! NRED,!TCB! Priority! Nu.!2!m! Community) Nyeri&Amachhu& estimate fishing!to!be! • Catch!and!Release!game!fishing!to!be! d! introduced!in! developed!as!a!unique!attraction& Gomdar!along! • According!to!locals,!the!two!rivers! Nyeri!Amachhu! have!sought!after!game!fish!such!as! Mahaseers,!Carps!and!Catfish.& where!locals!can! • Technical!feasibility!should!be! harvest!fish! conducted!to!determine!species,! catch!rates,!and!fishing!spots& • Farmhouse&development&in& Private! TCB,!NRED,! Priority! Nu.!5!m! ! Khaling,&Rongthong,&and& sector,! DA! estimate Kanglung& communi d! • Found!to!be!feasible!as!these!villages! ty! have!big!traditional!houses& residents! • Community!residents!are!interested! to!partner!with!tour!operators!and! are!willing!to!invest!partially!on! cost)sharing!with!other!tourism! stakeholders!including!TCB& • Sensitization!of!the!farmhouse! development!guidelines& • Encourage!tour!operators!to!draw! contracts!with!farmhouses!to!sell! farmhouse!packages& • Farmhouses!should!be!registered!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%148% ! with!TCB!and!displayed!on!the!TCB! website.& &
8. Country!biking!tours!from!Deothang! Private! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Can!be!packaged! to!Pemathang.!! sector! immediately!
9. Arts!and!Crafts!festival!in!Pema! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Should!be! Gatshel.! scheduled!in! winter!
10. Pema!Gatshel!Tsechu.!From!13th!–! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Ready!to!be! 15th!of!11th!Month!to!be!packaged! packaged!and! and!promoted.!Day!wise!festival! marketed! description!to!be!developed!with! DoC.!Festival!dates!to!be!scheduled! according!to!calendar.!
11. Trashigang!Tsechu.!From!7th!–!11th! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Ready!to!be! Day!of!the!10th!Month!to!be! packaged!and! packaged!and!promoted.!Day!wise! marketed!! festival!description!to!be!developed! with!DoC.!
12. Samdrup!Jongkhar!to!be!packaged! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Ready!to!be! and!promoted.!Day!wise!festival! packaged!and! description!to!be!developed!with! marketed!!! DoC.!
13. Yonphel!Phuntsho!Chojey!Ugyen! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Ready!to!be! Choling!Lhakhang!Tsechu!in! packaged!and! Yongphula!from!13th!)15th!of!the! marketed!! 5th!and!10th!month.!Mask!dances! according!to!the!Peling!tradition.! The!festival,!known!as!the!Kholong! Tshechu!should!be!marketed!and! promoted!on!the!website!of!TCB.! Day!wise!festival!description!to!be! developed!with!DoC.! DA!
14. Dungkhar!Tsechu!in!Khar!Pema! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! Nu.!0.1!m! Ready!to!be! Gatshel.!Exodus!of!villagers!who!go! packaged!and! to!the!temple!and!observe!the! marketed! festival!that!includes!the!Terchham! from!8th!day!–!10th!day!of!03rd!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%149% ! Bhutanese!month.!This!festival! should!be!packaged!and!promoted.! Day!wise!festival!description!to!be! developed!with!DoC.!
DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! )! Ready!to!be! 15. Bike!to!Rangshikhar!Village!(40km! packaged!and! roundtrip)!–!Day!Trip! marketed!
16. Trip!to!around!Pema!Gatshel!valley! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! connecting!Tsebar!to!see!Dung!and! packaged!and! Jaling!(traditional!instruments)! marketed! being!made,!Cotton!fields!and!textile! weaving!in!Thongsar,!Bura!weaving! in!Yurung.–!Day!Trip!
17. Villagers!can!display!traditional! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! fishing!techniques!in!Gomdar! packaged!and! village.–!Day!Trip! marketed!
18. Meditation!and!Buddhist!teachings! SJI! TCB,!DA! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! in!Choeki!Jatshog!Dratsang!of! packaged!and! Dzongsar!Khentse!Rinpoche,! marketed! Deothang,!Samdrup!Jongkhar.–!Day! Trip! !
19. Interactive!classroom!sessions!with! Sherabts TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! students!and!teachers!in!Kanglung! e!College! packaged!and! college.–!Day!Trip! marketed! !
DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! 20. Day!Trips!to!Bidung!village–!Day! packaged!and! Trip! marketed!
21. Biking!from!Trashigang!to! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! Phongmey!and!back!(70!km)! packaged!and! roundabout–!Day!Trip! marketed!
DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! packaged!and! 22. Textile!tour!to!Radhi–!Day!Trip! marketed!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%150% ! DA! TCB,!CTC! Priority! ! Ready!to!be! 23. Hiking!on!Liza!nature!trail!in! packaged!and! Khaling–!Day!Trip! marketed!
5. Human&Resource&Development&and&Community&Participation&
Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organisati Supports (Nu) on
1.!Develop!curriculum!for!training!in!the! TCB/RITH! TCB! Priority! )! Extensive!course! circuit!especially!targeting!hotels,! July!2013! to!be!determined! restaurants,!guides!etc.!such!as!F&B! through!TNA! management,!Room!Keeping,!Front!Desk! study! Management,!Cooking!training!etc.!
2.%Provide%extensive%customer%service% TCB/RITH! Private! Priority! Nu.!1!m! Proposed!to!be! excellence%training%for:% Sector,!BCCI,! estimate done!in!one!of! DA! Nov) d! the!hotel!in!the! • Staffs%training%in%the% December! circuit.!! hotel/restaurants/cafeterias% • Hotel/Restaurant%managers% • Local%guides,%cooks%and%porters% • Other%tourism%stakeholders%where% necessary! 3.%Trainings,%study%tour%and%exposure%field% CTC,!! TCB,!NRED,! Priority! Nu.!3!m! ICIMOD!in!Nepal! visits%to%successful%tourism%projects%or% RITH! estimate is!a!reputed! August) eventsfor%the%CTC%and%local%community% d! institute!for!such! September! representatives.%Study%tours%should%also%be% programs.! complimented%by%classroom%sessions%on% 2013! tourism%destination%management,% ecotourism,%sustainable%tourism%etc.%
4.!Specialized!guide!trainings!in!the!field! TCB! ABTO,!GAB! Priority) Nu.!1.5!m!! ! of!bird!watching,!wildlife!(precautionary! Medium! measures),!game!fishing,!local!cultures! etc.!
5.%Training%for%CTC%members%to%understand% CTC! TCB! Priority! Nu.!0.5!m! Low!awareness! each%others%roles%and%responsibilities,% of!tourism!in!the! June)July! awareness%on%tourism%initiatives%in%the% circuit!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%151% ! circuit,%tourism%policy,%regulations,% 2013! accommodation%accreditation%systems%etc%
6.%Facilitate%the%establishment%of%market% Private! TCB,!ABTO! Priority) ! ! linkages%for%the%local%communities%and% Sector! Medium! other%tourism%stakeholders%
7.!Conduct!Appreciative!Planning!and! CTC! TCB! Priority) ! To!be!part!of! Participatory!Action!(APPA)!sessions! Medium! product! with!the!selected!communities!through! development! which!new!tourism!products!will!be! created.!APPA!actions!are!found!to!be! effective!in!assessing!visitor!attitudes,! expectations!and!preparedness!of!the! communities.!!The!sessions!will!be!good! for!tourism!awareness!creation.!
8.!Trainings!for!farmhouse!management! Farmhouse! CTC,!TCB! Priority! Nu.!0.5!m! Merak!and! for!those!who!will!be!identified.! owners! Sakteng!to!be! ! funded!from! MAGIP’s!Agro) tourism!project!
9.%Ensure%that%both%public%sector%and% Private! CTC,!TCB! Priority!to! ! ! private%sector%investment%projects%utilize% Sector! Medium! local%labour%from%the%TPS%circuit%as%far%as% possible%
10.%Promote%effective%and%structured% Private! CTC,!TCB! Priority! ! ! communication,%cooperation%and%decision% Sector! making%through%involving%representatives% from%local%communities,%public%and%private% sector%stakeholders%
11.%Encourage%market%linkages%by%subY Private! ABTO,!HAB,! Priority! ! Tour!operators! contracting%of%tour%groups%to%businesses%in% sector! GAB! mentioned!that! the%TPS%circuit%to%handle%groups%from%tour% organizing!tours! operators%in%urban%areas.%This%will%create% to!the!east!(eg.! more%tourism%benefits%for%local%residents%in% Merak!Sakteng)! the%circuit% is!expensive!and! would!like!to! sub)contract!to! local!people!who! are!willing!to!
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%152% ! invest!in! trekking! equipment.!
6. Marketing&and&Promotion& Action Lead Who When Budget Remarks Organisati Supports (Nu) on
1.%Finalization%and%adopt%the%proposed% TCB! NRED! June%2013% Y! ! circuit%name,%vision%and%proposed%brand% ! identifiers! Priority
2.%Develop%TPS%circuit%logo%and%microsite% TCB! CTC! Priority! Nu.%0.5%m! ! listing%all%tourism%facilities%to%be%linked% under%the%eastern%circuit%in%the%official% tourism%portal%www.tourism.gov.bt!
3.%Market%the%circuit%for%regional%visitors% TCB! CTC! PriorityY ! ! especially%in%NorthYeast%India%through%local% Medium! radio,%TV%and%print%media!
4.%Discussions%on%making%the%TPS%sector% TCB! TCB! Priority! Y! ! Royalty%free%zone%or%provide%circuit% discounts!
5.%Marketing%initiatives%of%Drukair%and%TCB% TCB! Drukair! PriorityY ! ! to%be%streamlined%for%domestic%tourism! Medium!
6.%Promotion%of%the%primary%festivals%such% TCB! Private%sector,% PriorityY ! ! as%Trashigang%Tsechu,%Pema%Gatshel% CTC,%DA! Medium! Tsechu,%Samdrup%Jongkhar%Tsechu,% Terchham,%Jomokora,%Dungkhar%Tsechu,% Proposed%Arts%and%Crafts%Tsechu%etc%.!
Dates%should%be%fixed%a%year%in%advance% and%should%not%be%changed%so%that%tour% operators%can%market%it%!
7.%Commission%travel%writers%who% TCB! Private%sector,%! PriorityY ! ! specifically%write%for%ecotourism%and% MediumY
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%153% ! sustainable%travel%magazines%to%visit%the% Longterm! circuit%and%write%about%attractions!
8.%Production%and%publication%and% ! ! ! ! ! distribution%of%the%promotional%materials% of%the%TPS%circuit%at%strategic%locations% (airport,%hotel%counters,%restaurants,%coffee% shops%etc)%
%
• Distribution%by%ABTO%and%GAB% through%email%to%tour%operators% and%guides%respectively!
9.%Organize%familiarization%visits%(partly%self% ! ! ! ! ! funded%/%coYfunded)%for%tour%operators%and% guides%to%familiarize%and%better%understand% the%attractions%and%activities%of%the% Dzongkhag!
!
41 Due&Diligence& !
The plan provides for an integrated approach and it is essential that recommendations are implemented accordingly. It is felt that the circuit needs utmost priority in order to be able to meet the ambitious target arrivals of the 11th FYP. However, the key issue will be to steadily implement the recommendations through committed budget allocations. It is also equally important that when deemed necessary, the strategies are reviewed at regular intervals in order to adjust in accordance with the external influence such as changes in the economy, visitors market or national tourism policies.
To evaluate monitor the impact of the actions implemented, a number of conventional indicators are suggested as listed hereunder.
Economic indicators:
• Visitors arrivals (both day excursion and night spenders) • Bed nights in each Dzongkhags
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%154% ! • Visitors satisfaction levels • Accommodation occupancy rates • Employment generated through tourism • Number of business licenses issued • Number of Road-side vendors and other MSMEs
Social Indicators:
• Income levels in the communities (which also includes poor and women) • Number of trainings and capacity development programs attended. • Number of women/man owning /controlling tourism businesses • Number of residents changing from traditional occupation to tourism • Increase/decrease in cultural activities or traditional events • Rural Urban migration trends • Community attitude towards visitors and tourism • Level of cultural pride/ or stress
Environmental Indicators:
• Habitats and natural resources affected by tourism infrastructure and facility development • Volume of waster produced because of tourism • Number of traditional land use area pattern change over time • Waste water management, air pollution etc. !
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References& !
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%155% ! TCB. Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy, 2005
TCB. Tourism Strategy 2013-2018.
TCB. Dzongkhag Tourism Development Plan for Haa Dzongkhag, 2010.
TCB. 11th FYP Tourism Sector, 2012.
TCB. Bhutan Tourism Monitor 2007-2012.
TCB. Draft Tourism Bill, 2011
TCB. Tashel Online System 2012.
NSB. Bhutan Living Standard Survey 2007, 2012.
GNHC. 11th FYP Proposal for Trashigang, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar
NSB. Poverty Analysis Report, 2007.
GNHC. 10th FYP Report 2008 – 2013.
RBOB. Local Governance Act of Bhutan, 2007.
GNHC. Socio Economic Profile of Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Trashigang.
MoEA: Economic Development Policy, 2010.
MoEA: FDI Rules and Regulations 2012.
MoEA: Foreign Investment Policy, 2010.
MoWHS. Resettlement Action Plan Kothakpa-Khar-Tsebar-Yurung Road Pemagatshel, 2009
MoWHS. Resettlement Plan for Samdrupcholing-Samrang Section, 2009.
MoWHS. Road Network Information.
MoWHS. Rinchenthang Nganglam Local Area Plan.
MoWHS. Resettlement Plan for Tsebar-Mikuri-Shingchungri Section 2009.!
MoWHS. Road Sector Masterplan (2007-2027), 2006
MoWHS. Annual Information Bulletin 2012.
SNV. Formative Research of Sanitation Behaviors in Pema Gatshel District. 2011.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%156% ! S. Pawan, J. Umesh, Singh Elangbam, M. Achintya – FDI: An observation about the Tourism Sector in Bhutan.
NRED. Ecotourism Strategy, 2012.
UNWTO. Guide for local authorities on developing sustainable Tourism, 1999
Websites:
1. Tourism Council of Bhutan: www.tourism.gov.bt 2. Gross National Happiness Commission: www.gnhc.gov.bt 3. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Services: www.moaf.gov.bt 4. Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration: www.trashigang.gov.bt 5. Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Administration: www.samdrupjongkhar.gov.bt 6. Ministry of Works and Human Settlement: www.mowhs.gov.bt 7. National Statistical Bureau: www.nsb.gov.bt 8. Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs: www.mohca.gov.bt 9. Ministry of Economic Affairs : www.moea.gov.bt 10. Ministry of Finance: www.mof.gov.bt
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TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%157% ! Appendices&
APPENDIX&1:&Cultural&Resources&Inventory&in&the&TPS&circuit&
Govt./ Tsechu/Festival Private/ Site Name Dates Access Community Villages Gewog
TRASHIGANG Yanang Naktshang Lhamoi Road point Genkhang & Lhakhang. Main deity: Guru. Image of the protector Pekhar Gyap on stone. Footprint attributed to dudjom Rimpoche (Dudjom's shabje). Public Naktshang Bartsham Norbu Choling Chador Mask dance from Road point Lhakhang. Main deity: 13th -15th of the Vajrapani (Chana Dorji.) 10th Bhutanese month. Monks and gomchens community. Public Nangkhar Bartsham Bartsham Thegcho Choling Mask dance from Road point Lamai Lhakhang 13th -15th of the 1st Bhutanese month. Public Trashang Bartsham Dupchu Gonpa Lhakhang 10 mins from (Neykhang). Chador Lhakhang Public Nangkhar Bartsham Kherie Lhakhang Road point between Bartsham- Bidung Public Kherie Bidung Kakaneyla Lhakang. Main 2 hrs walk from deities: Guru, Rangjung Buddha (Tonpa) and Guru in roadhead his manifestation as Dorji Drolo. Community Dori Bidung Braymong Lhakhang. Old Mask dance on 10th 90 mins walk private Lhakhang at Tsekar. of the 8th Bhutanese from Bartsham. Main deity: Khendi Kuenga month. Good Wangpo. campsite. Private Tsekar Bidung
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%158% ! Tadzong Lhakhang Above Kheri Kuenga Wangpo's Lhakhang Public Tadzong Bidung Gelong Gonpa Lhakhang 3 hrs. walk from from Saling, Gelong Khari road head Public Gonpa Bidung Solo Gonpa Lhakhang 2hrs walk from Gelongonpa (5 hrs. walk from Saling, Khairi road head) Public Solo Gonpa Bidung Bumpa Lhakhang. Main Road point Community deities: The buddha as a prince (Jowo) and the Khasapani form of avalokiteshvara. Religious school for lay priests (gomdey) with 11 gomchens. Lem Phongmey Phongmey Hongmen Mask dance from Road point Public Choling Lhakhang. Main 13th -16th of the 8th statues Avalokiteshvara with Bhutanese month. 11 heads (Chukchizhe), the New large thangka Buddhas of the Three times (Thongdrel). (Duesum Sangay), Guru and Zhabdrung. Phongmey Phongmey Shokhang Zhabdrung Public Lhakhang Shokhang Phongmey Thongrong Samten Choling Walk from Public Lhakhang, Main deity: Guru, Rangjung king Thrakthri Farm Trisondetsen and road(1 day) Shantaraksita (Khenlop Chosum). Thongrong Phongmey Shokang Lhakhang. Main 3 hrs walk from Community deity: Shabdrung. Dorshing. Dorshing Phongmey Drodruldrongakchoeling 1 hr walk from Community Gompa. Phongmey. Religious school for lay priests (gomdey) of 50 Manangkkha Phongmey gomchens. r. Phongmey Khardung Nunnery ( Anim 20 mins walk Phongmey Dratshang). Established by from Phongmey. Garab Rimpoche. 100 nuns. Khardung Tokshing Lhakhang. Main Mask dance from 14- 20 mins walk Community deity: Guru. 16 of the 1st from road. Bhutanese month. Khardung Phongmey
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%159% ! Yabrang Lhakhang. Main Community deity: Avalokiteshvara with 1000 hands and eyes (Chatong Chentong). Dorshing Phongmey Phimsong Sangchen Mask dance from Public Pemagatshel Lhakhang, 14th -16th of the Main deity: Chelong Trisum. 11th Bhutanese month. Phimsong Phongmey Thekcho Kuenga Choling Road point Lhakhang Private Khardung Radhi Namdrol Choling Lhakhang Mask dance on 15th Road point of the 10th Bhutanese month. Govt. Bongman Radhi Drungyeg Goenpa Lhakhang Road point Radhi
Public Drungegonpa Jonlha Lhakhang. Main deity: Buddha (Tonpa) Radhi Community Bongmen Lhakhang. New 1 hrs walk from private Lhakhang. Main Radhi. deity: Guru Community Radhi Radhi Thromang Lhakhang Fasting and prayers Walk from Public ritual ( Nyungne) on Chaling ( 40 the 1st Bhutanese mins) month. Good camping area. Thromang Shongphu Neykhang Dekiling Road point Public Lhakhang Neykhang Shongphu Sanga Choling Lhakhang Road point Public Galing Shongphu Rangjung Yoeser Choling Road point Private Lhakhang. New monastic school ( nyingma) of Garab Rimpoche. Rangjung Shongphu Changmey Lhakhang Road point Public Changmey Shongphu Chorten Road point Shongphu Government Pemachen Thongphu Lhakhang Road point Shongphu Community Chaling Tashi Gatshel Lhakhang Road point Public Samkhar Kharshong Bikhar Lhakhang. Main Mask 100 mts from deity: Guru. dances according to Lungtenzampa Samkhar No campsite. pemalingpa tradition roadhead. (Tercham) 13-15 of the 10th Bhutanese month. Bikhar
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%160% ! Khapti Gompa. Holy place 2 hrs from Community atributed to Guru (Nye). Lungtenzampa Main deity: Guru. Needs roadhead. renovation. No campsite. Samten Choling Lhakhang 1 hr from Governmant Samkhar Samcholing Samkhar CPS Gonpa Samkhar Rangshikhar (Zangdopelri, Road point Private Shakshathupa Guru Lhakhang) Rangshikhar Gonpa Samkhar Trashigang Dzong. Built by Mask dance from Road point Govt. 3rd Desi Minjur Tempa in 7th -11th of the 10th 1667. Bhutanese Trashigang month town Samkhar Rangkhar Drodul Choling Road point Public Lhakhang Rangshikhar Samkhar Tshenmey Chokhorling Road point Lhakhang Governmant Gongthung Yangneer Shingkhar Gonpa Lhakhang, Road point Yangneer Main deity: Guru. Private Pangthang Tokolom Gompa. Mask dance on the 2 hrs walk from 9th Yangneer. Bhutanese month (moved from Sengmeyzung Yangneer Lhakhang). Community Shokhang. Kupijigcham Dechen Road point Choling Lhakhang, Main statue Pema Lingpa. Public Kupijigtsham Yangneer Durung Lhakhang Road point Public Durung Yangneer Chazam Duptho Thongthong Road point Gyelpo Lhakhang Government Chazam Yangneer Tokden Choling Dubdey Road point Yangneer Governmant Gongthung Ngamenang Lhakhang 3 hrs walk from Tektekpa Community Tektekpa. Talung Lhakhang. Yangneer Private Kheri Sengmeyzung Lhakhang. Road point Yangneer
Govt. Tektekpa. Dungjur Lhakhang. Road Point Daliphangma Yangneer Private . Durung Lhakhang. 3 1hr walk Yangneer Lhakhangs (1 old downhill from Community Gongthung
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%161% ! community and 2 new Gongthong. private). Yonphula Ugyen Donga Choling. Lhakhang built originally in the 16th Century, then restored in 1941, run by Lam Jigme Tenzin. Main deities the Buddha as a prince (Jowo), Guru and a lot of other big Mask dance from 9- beautiful old statues. 11th of the 3rd Beautiful paintings of the Bhutanese month. life of Guru. religius school guru for lay priests (Gomdey) Thongdrel.Large with 100 gomchens. Thangka Road point Private Yonphula Kanglung Phangthang Lamay Lhakhang Road point Private Pangthang Kanglung Thukten Chekorling Shedra (Zangdopelri) built in 1970 by Tamzhing Jagar Road point Government Kanglung Kanglung Mask dances according to the Peling tradition. from 13th -15th of the 5th and 10th Bhutanese months Yonphel Phuntsho Chojey (also known as the 5 mins from Ugyen Choling Lhakhang Kholong Tshechu). road Community Yonphu Kanglung Karma Dupchuk Goenpa Lhakhang Road point Government Kanglung Kanglung Walk from road end of Rongthung Shingchen Mongling Tashi Chedung Gonpa Farm Mongling Khil Lhakhang Road Public Gonpa Kanglung Shingchen Goenpa Shingchen Lhakhang Road point Public Gonpa Kanglung Drodphu Tempa Lhakhang 20 mins from Private Road Drothphu Uzorong Riegoem Lhakhang Main Mask dance Road point Public deity: Guru. Good campsite. 10th Bhutanese month Gamtoe Uzorong Neydhen Gatshel Lhakhang Road point Public Bepam Uzorong Dhensalo Lhakhang Road point Public Dengtsalu Uzorong Gengkhar Lhakhang, Main Road point Public Gengkhar Uzorong
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%162% ! deity: Guru. Tshechu 22nd day of Jarokharshong Chorten 9th Bhutanese month Road point Governmant Gamtoe Uzorong Jadrung Lhakhang. Ground Tshechu on 10th day Road point Public floor built by Lopon of 4th Bhutanese Kunzang and top floor by month Lam Jadrung. Statues Guru, Zhabdrung. Kholdung Khaling Goenpung Lhakhang Road point Public Khaling gonpa Khaling Barshong Lhakhang Tshechu 15th & 25th 5 mins from Public Khaling day of every road Bhutanese month. Barshang Khaling Gomba built by Mask dance 9th - Road Point Community Gyalsey Ganapati (early 18th 11th of 9th C). Bhutanese month. Khaling Khaling Tashichoding Lhakhang 30 mins walk Private from road Wamrong Lumang Wamrong Zangdopelri Mask dance on 10th Road point Private Lhakhang of the 9th Bhutanese month Wamrong Lumang Dupkhang Goenpa Masked Road point Public Lhakhang. Main statue of dance from 10-15 of Buddha the 9th Bhutanese Dupkhang month. Gonpa Lumang Kharphu Phuntsho Choling 20 mins from Public Lhakhang, Main deity: Road Kharphu Buddha Gonpa Lumang Samten Choling Dratshang Road point Private Lumang Mukazor Moshi Lhakhang. Main deity Mask dance on 15th Road Point Community Lumang Buddha of the 9th Bhutanese month Moshi Tsho Gomba Mask dance on 2 hours walk Community Lumang 15th of the 9th from Moshi Bhutanese month. Sangmari Lhakhang Road point Community Lumang Kheshing Dupkhang Goenpa 30 mins from Lhakhang Kangpar Public Dupkhang Kangpara Losum Goenpa Lhakhang 3 hrs from Pedung road/ 4 hrs from gewog Public Pasaphu Kangpara Lhendup Samtencholing Masked dances on 2 hrs bedingphu Lhakhang, Built by Lam the 15th of the 10th road- 2 1/2 Sonam Rabzang. Monastic Bhutanese month. Lamai community of 30 monks, Governmant Gonpa Kangpara TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%163% ! meditation centre drubdey with 12 meditants ( tshampa). Main deities : Guru and Buddha (Tonpa) Silkhar Lhakhang Masked dances on 3 hrs from Kangpara the gewog/2 hts 15th of the 9th from lami Bhutanese month. gopnpa/ 2/3 hrs to gewog Public Zordung Jomo Lha. Festival of the Bon 2 hours from tradition from 14th - Kangpara 16th of the 8th Bhutanese month. Gathering of villagers at a special spot, dances. Thelphu Kangpara Chenla Nye. (4650 m) 2 days walk from Kangpara. Chenla Kangpara Tashi Choling Lhakhang, Gengo Public built by the famous gelugpa lama called Tenpai Dronme (16th c.) Gengo Merak Samten Pheling Lhakhang. Mask dance from Merak Public Main deity: Guru and the 11th of the 6th Buddha of long life Bhutanese Amitayus (Tsepamey). month. Merak Merak Mt. Jomo Kungkhar One day walk Jomo (4750m) from Merak Governmant Kungkhar Merak Jomo Kungkhar Lhakhang One day walk Private Jomo Merak (Base) from Merak Kungkhar Dungsham Gompa. In Merak village built by the famous gelugpa lama called Tenpai 3 hours from Merak Dronme (16th c.). road point Merak 3 hours from Merak Khashadung Lhakhang. road point Merak Merak Gengo Lhakhang. Old community Lhakhang. Main Mask dance from deity: Jerimbo. 12th of the 6th 2 hours from Bhutanese month. Road Point Gengo Khelphu Lhakhang. New community Lhakhang. Main deity: Avalokiteshva with 1000 hands and eyes 2 hours from (Chatong Road Point Merak Merak
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%164% ! Chentong). Kushu Guru Lhakhang, 1 hr from Main deities - Buddha as a Sakteng prince (Jowo), the buddhas of the Three times (Duesum Sangay), Avalokiteshvara with 11 heads (Chugchizhe), White tara (Drolkar) and Green Tara (Droljang). Good view point of Sakteng and surrounding areas. Also has a shedra with 25 monks. Public Kushu Guru Sakteng Borangtshey Lhakhang, built Terchham. 1 hr from by a disciple of a gelugpa This dance is Sakteng lama calledTenpai performed at Yuejub Dronme -(16th c.). Lhakhang, Borongtse Lhakhang and Borongmang. Public Boroangtse Sakteng Yelzug Lhakhang Sakteng only Public Sakteng Sakteng Serdham Lhakhang, Main 2 hrs from deities: Guru and Jonkhar Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezi). Public Murbi Sakteng On the way to Jarokharshong Chorten Serdam Gonpa Governmant Murbi Sakteng Dronga Choling Lhakhang Road point Public Tsangpo Thrimshing Darjey Choling Lhakhang Road point Public Thrimshing Thrimshing Bongzor Lhakhang 10 mins Public Bongzor Jab Thrimshing Thrimshing Lhakhang. Mask dance from Road point 9th -11th of the 11th Bhutanese month. Community Thrimshing Thrimshing
PEMA GATSHEL DZONGKHAG Lungkholom Lhakhang. 1 hr walk from new farmroad Public Chhimung Chimong Lhakhang. Main Mask dance Road point deity, Guru. 13th -16th of the 11th Bhutanese month. Public Chhimung Nyasakhar Lhakhang. 1 hr walk from road point Public Chhimung Chiphung Lhakhang. Main ?? deity Guru, King Trisondetsen, andshantaraksita (Khenlop choesum). Public Chhimung
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%165% ! Tshebar Lhakhang. Part of Mask dances, 9th Road point Lotus Valley Trek. -11th on the 3rd and 9th Bhutanese month. Tsebar Khar Khawar Lhakhang. Main deity 15 minues from Buddha (Tonpa). Part of Lotus road point Valley Trek. Khawar Khar Dungkar Lhakhang Ugyen Tsechu with 4 hrs from Khar Chholing. Main deity, Guru. Terchham from Part of Lotus Valley Trek. 8th day – 10th day of 03nd Bhutanese month Dungkar Khar Thongphu Zangthopelri 45 minutes from lhakhang. Part of Lotus Valley road Trek. Private Khar Jarung Kashor. Private Lhakhang built by Lam Sangay Khar Dorji Private Khengzur Lhakhang. Tsechu from 8th- 10th of 01st Bhutanese month Khengzur Khar Khar Kadam Lhakhang. Tsechu from 13th- 15th of 08th Khar Bhutanese month. Dungme Dungmin Lhakhang. Main Mask dances 12th 3 hrs from road deity, Guru. -15th day of the 9th Bhutanese month. Public Dungme Lamingri Lhakhang. Main Mask dances : 8th 5 hrs walk from deity,Guru. -11th road day of the 10th Bhutanese month. Public Dungme Bangzhu Lhakhang. Main Mask dances, deity,Guru. 13th - 15th day of the 1st Bhutanese month. Public Dungme Woongborang Lhakhang. Main Mask dances 13th deity: Guru. -15th day of the Dungme 10th Bhutanese month. Public Woongborang Mekuri Lhakhang. Mask dances from 13-15th of 12th Bhutanese Dungme month Mikuri
Laneri Lhakhang. Tsechu from 13- Dungme th th 15 of 9 Bhutanese month Laneri Tomey Lhakhang Dungme Tomey
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%166% !
Zimzor Samtencholing Dungme Lhakhang
Karma Gyeltshen Woongborang Goenpa Dungme Woongborang Kinzang Gyeltshen Ola Lhakhang Dungme
Nangmala Lhakhang. Main . Mask dances 2 hrs from deities: Guru in different (Bardo and Gompa Singmo wrathful forms: Dramitse drum Phurba, Dorje Drolo. dance) from 7th - 10th day of the 4th Bhutanese month, performed by laymen. Public Zobel Zobel Lhakhang. Mask dance 2 hrs from Main deities: Phurpa, Guru, (Bardo and Gompa Singmo Dorje Drolo. Dremitse) from 7th -10th of the 4th Bhutanese month, performed by laymen. Yongle Gompa. Old Lhakhang Road Point of national importance since the time of Jigme Namgyal, father of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck. Orginally built by Lam Jigme Kuendrel, a Zobel disciple of the great Nyingmapa master Jigme Lingpa, in the 18th century. Also residence of the great Bhutanese Lama Sonam Zangpo in the first part of the 20th century. Restored in 1999. Main deities: Guru in different wrathful forms: Phurba, Dorje Drolo, and Hor sog jigpa . It has now several monks in residence. 17 kms from P/gatshel dzong. New Lhakhang under construction. Govt. Jashar Goenpa Zobel Tshelingor Lhakhang Zobel
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%167% ! Pangthangdaza Lhakhang Zobel
Resinang lhakhang Zobel
Shumarthung Lhakhang Zobel Rangthawoong Lhakhang Zobel Leshingkhar Lhakhang Zobel Tsshelingor Jadrung Goenpa Lhakhang Zobel Chungkhar Ngagtshang Zobel Chungkhar Goenpa Zobel Lekteri Lhakhang Zobel Gonpasingma Lhakhang Zobel Pemagatshel Dzong. Built in the Dzongkhag 1980s. New Dzong being built festival on 13- in Denchi town. 15th day of the 11th Bhutanese Pema Gatshel month Govt. town. Shumar Nangkhor Lhakhang. New Mask dances from 20 mins drive community Lhakhang. Main 14th -16th of the from Dzong. deity Guru. 8th Bhutanese month. Kheri Gompa. Built by Kuenga Road point Wangpo, son of Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. Main deities Guru, Avalokiteshvara with 11 heads and Buddha (Tonpa) Govt. Shumar Domkhar Mejur Lhendup Mask dances from Road point Shumar Lhakhang. Old private 8th -10th of the th Lhakhang owned by Ugyen 08 Bhutanese Tshering. Main deity Guru. month. Private Tsechu from 13- Goenpung Serkhagpa 15th day of 11th Lhakhang, Bhutanese month Shumar Mask Dances 13- 15th day of 08th Shali Lhakhang, Bhutanese month Tsechu from 08th – 10th of 08th Gamung Lhakhang. Bhutanese month Shumar Tsechu from 08th – 10th of 08th Khothakpa Lhakhang. Bhutanese month. Shumar Yalang Lhakhang Shumar Denchi Lhakhang Shumar Bartseri Lhakhang Shumar Shumar Lhakhang Shumar Dagor Kadam Lhakhang Shumar
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%168% ! Namkhari Lhakhang Shumar Goenpung Dungkhor Lhakhang Shumar Tepalung Lhakhang Shumar Yalang Lhakhang Shumar Denchi Lhakhang Shumar Gyelpo Dangsa Lhakhang Shumar Dengtsarawa Lhakhang Shumar Yangkhar Dungkhor Lhakhang Shumar Serkhagpa Lhakhang Shumar Nongar Lhakhang Shumar Chungkhar Lhakhang Shumar Tsehu from 08th- 10th day of the Khorminang Tashicholing 03rd Bhutanese Lhakhang, month Yurung Thongo Lhakhang Yurung Chengri Dungkhor Lhakhang Yurung Phitsung Lhakhang Yurung Gomtsang lhakhang Yurung Loptshenangi Wanglakhoi Goenpa Yurung Khangma Dungkhor Lhakhang Yurung Poerila Dungkhor Lhakhang Yurung Tshokhor Jipkha Goenpa Lhakhang Yurung Khangma Lungten Gyeltshen Lhakhang Yurung Phitsung Buri Goenpa Yurung Dungsingma Lhakhang. Main Mask dances 13th ?? deity Guru. - 16th of the 8th Bhutanese month. Community Yurung Yurung Khangma Lhakhang. Old Mask dances 13th 1 hour from renovated Lhakhang. Main -16th of the 10th road diety Guru. Bhutanese month. Khangma Yurung Nagtsang Tashichoeling ?? Lhakhang. Main diety Guru. Mask dances from 8th -11th of the 3rd Bhutanese month. Community Khominang. Yurung Mandi Lhakhang. Main deity Mask dances on Road Point Guru. 10th of 12th Chongshing Bhutanese month. Community Mandi Borang Thongsar Namdul Chholing Road Point Chongshing Lhakhang. Community Thongsar Borang Guyum Sangay Chholing Lhakhang Chongshing Borang Kingacholing Lhakhang
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%169% ! Dechenling Lhakhang Dechheling Dungchilu Lhakhang Dechheling Kheri Bari Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Yangmalashing Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Martshala Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Leshingri Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Shingchongri Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Kula manti Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Mongarpa Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Martshala Tsuendu Lhakhang Dechheling Dungphu Lhakhang Dechheling Gonpawoong Lop Thongsel Lhakhang Dechheling Tshankhar Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Baapta Dungkhor Lhakhang Dechheling Ngangshing Goenpa Nanong Wooligtang Lhakhang Nanong Woongchilo Lhakhang Nanong Thongphu Zabden Choling Nanong Tephu Lhakhang Nanong Tsechu from 24th- Chepo Goenpa Jangchup 27th of 11th Lhakhang, Bhutanese month. Nanong Kulung Lhakhang Nanong Chepo Goenpa Ugyen Phuntsholing Nanong Tokari Lhakhang Nanong Giri Lhakhang Nanong Rashu Goenpa Lhakhang Nanong Sang Ngag Chokhor Dongag Tenpailing Lhakhang Norbugang Gashari Lhakhang Norbugang Pema Phendey Lhakhang Norbugang Rinchenzor Lhakhang Norbugang Tshelshingzor Dungkhor Lhakhang Norbugang Norbugang Dungkhor Lhakhang Norbugang Nganglam Thromkhar Chorten Lhakhang Norbugang
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%170% ! Nganglam Thromtag Chimi Lhakhang Norbugang
SAMDRUP JONGKHAR Khandroma Chorten 5 hrs steep believed to be Self-created climb from stupa.. Tokorong. Gomdar Mask dances 10-13th 5 hrs walk from Pirung Gompa. Main deity day of the 1st Tokorong Guru. Bhutanese month. Community Gomdar Richanglu Lhakhang. Main Mask dances 7-10 2 hrs walk from deity: Guru. day of the 12th Tokorong Bhutanese month. Community Gomdar Gomdar Lhakhang. New Mask dances 7-10 2 hrs walk from community Lhakhang. Main day of the 12th Tokorong deity Guru. Bhutanese month. Community Gomdar Khoyar Gonapazo Nye. Holy 4 hrs steep caves said to be a place climb from where Guru meditated. Tokorong. Gomdar Mang Lhakang. Main Mask dance from 7- 15 minutes walk deities: 10 of the 9th from Primordial Buddha Bhutanese month. Dechheling Samamtabhadra with his partner (Kunzang Yab Yum). Dechheling Mask dance on the 2 hrs walk from 10th of the 5th Tokorong Bhutanese month and Samtencholeing Lhakhang. from 23-29 of the Main deity : Guru. 2 hrs 10th Bhutanese walk from Tokorong. month. Community Dechheling Choekyi Jatshog Dratshang. Road point New monastic community of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche. Under extension to accommodate 300 monks. Meditation centre. Private Orong Mask dances 7-10th 30 mins walk day of the 1st downhill from Rimong Lhakhang. Bhutanese month. Narphung Community Orong Mask dances 7-10th day of the 10th Phimuma Lhakhang. Bhutanese month. Community Orong Zhithro Lhakhang. Given to Road point Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche by his Private Orong
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%171% ! grand father, Late Lam Sonam Zangpo. Main deities : 1000 Buddhas, Tara (Drolma) Mask dances 7-10th 2 hrs walk from Sangachoeling Gompa. day of the 9th Morong Main deities Guru. Bhutanese month. Community Orong Mask dances 7-10th 2 hrs walk from day of the 10th Tokorong Samtenchoeling Lhakhang. Bhutanese month. Community Orong Thangchung Gompa. Guru, Buddha (Tonpa) Zhabdrung. Located between two rivers, male and female. Phuntshothang Bon tradition mask dances at Khirkhirley from 13-15 of the Tshangchuthama Bon 2nd Bhutanese festival. month. Phuntshothang Shiva Mandir. Road Point Community Phuntshothang Samtenchoeling Anim Road point Dratsang. New nunnery at Keptang with 20 nuns. Main deities Guru, Buddha (Tonpa) andGuru in his manifestation of Dorji drolo. Martshala Tsholingkhar Lhakhang in a dilapidated condition. Main deity Guru. Martshala Marthsala Lhakhang. Main deities Guru and Buddha (Tonpa). Martshala Holy place attributed to guru Drugkhang Nye at Thrizor. 4 hrs walk from Samdrupchoeling. Elephants and other big cats known to be sighted. Martshala Shiva Mandir. Langchenphu Gomdey Lhakhang at Mask Jampani. Main deities : Guru dances 8- 15th of the and two of his wrathful 1st Bhutanese month. forms Phurba & Dorji Drolo. Monastic community with 50 monks. Langchenphu Mask dances of the One and a half Samdrupchoeling Lhakhang Pemalingpa tradition: days walk from at Phakchu. Main deity Guru Peling Cham on 10th Jomotsangkha. and its eight manifestationse. of the 10th Community Serthig
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%172% ! Bhutanese month. Serthi Lhakhang. Old Mask dance - on 15th 1 day walk from community Lhakhang. Main of the 9th Bhutanese Jomotsangkha deities : Guru and its eight month. manifestations and Phurba. Community Serthig Tashithangji holy place One and a half (Nye) at Dungkarchoeling. days walk from Main deity Guru. Jomusangkha. Serthig 2 days walk from Dungmanma Lhakhang. Jomosangkha/D Main deity Guru. aifam. Community Lauri Mask dance on the 2 days walk Tsahichoeling Lhakhang. 10th of the 10th from Main deityBuddha (Tonpa). Bhutanese month Jomotsangkha Community Tashiphu Lauri Orgyen Draktsong Mask dance from 9- 2 days walk Lhakhang. 11 of the 9th from Main deity Guru. Bhutanese month. Jomotsangkha Community Lauri Momring Thegcho Choeling 2 days walk Lhakhang. Main deity from Choelung Trisum. Gold- Jomotsangkha painted scriptures (sergi lekbum). Community Lauri Ugyen Samdrup Choeling Mask dance from 14- 2 days walk Lhakhang. Main deity Guru 16 of the 9th from (1000 small statuettes). Lay Bhutanese month. Jomotsangkha priest centre (gomdey) with 50 lay priests (gomchens). Comminity Lauri 2 days walk from Tokaphu Nye. Built by Jomosangkha/D Duptho Shawari. aifam. Tokaphu Lauri 2 days walk Gorphu Nye at Zangdi from Tashiphu. Jomosangkha/D aifam. Tashiphu Lauri 3 days walk Tsephu Nye. Guru nye. from Elephant’s ribs, pig teeth Jomosangkha/D formation on rock. aifam Tsephu Lauri !
Nature^based&Attractions& !
1. Merak Sakteng Trek CBT Trek – Highest number of Rhododendrons in Chhaling-Dongmongchu-Merak- SWS, Red Panda Habitat, 119 birds species along Sakteng-Joenkhar trail,
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%173% ! Sakteng-Joenkhar-Phongmey
2. Salt Route Trek Uzorong, Trekking through broadleaved forests. Stretch between Mongling to Radhing is rich with wildlife such as elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, birds, sambar deer etc.
3. Lotus Valley Trek Zobel, Khar, Chongshing Borang, Part of the Salt Route Trek with a diversion towards Pema Gatshel instead of Yurung, Khangma Samdrup Jongkhar. Stretch between Mongling and Dungkhar lhakhang has strong presence of elephants, Tiger’s, Leopards, Wild Boars, Deers, birds.
4. Proposed Wamrong – Bidingphu Trek Wamrong-Dipla-Kangpara-Thelphu- Lamai Goempa, Merda, Bidingphu
5. Proposed Deothang-Phuntshothang Birdwatching Deothang-Phuntshothang
6. Proposed Ecohike/Canopy walk Samdrup Jongkhar
7. Dangling Tsho Trek. Merak-Dangling Tsho- Khaling Donmongchu - Dzongphu 3 hrs - Pangkibu 4 hrs of steep climb - Phrengatabtse 3 hrs - Dangling Tso 2 hrs - Bazortse 2 hrs - Khaling 2 hrs. The trek from Khaling to Sakteng is more difficult. Red Panda trail proposed by SWS.
8. Trans-boundary trek Sakteng - Tawang Trek. Sakteng - Lingsangla (Indian Sakteng-Arunachal Pradesh border) 6 hrs - Moktow (India) 2 hrs – Tawang3 hrs walk/1 hr drive. 9. Merak to Shingkhar Lauri Trek. Off-the-beaten path trail with prestine Merak-Lauri biodiversity. Merak - Serkemla 1 and a half to 2 hrs - Torong 1 hr - Chumbaktse 2 hrs - Shingkhar 2 hrs - Jhompa 1 hr - Daifam 3 days. This is a fairly easy trek. The forest is dense, possibility to see elephants, snakes, many species of birds etc. Also rich in Butterflies. 10. Jomo Kuenkhar (4720m), Chenla (4650m) are highest mountain peaks Merak, Kangpara suitable nature expeditions in the future. 11. Tshephug Tsho. 3 hrs uphill climb from Tonglen. Big lake with good Radhi campsite. 12. Cheya Tsho. 21x15 mts. 3 min walk from the roadhead. Good campsite. Udzorong
13. Jangphu Sum Tsho. 3 adjoining lakes located 1 days walk from Sakteng near Sakteng the Indian border. 14. Sakteng - Derang (Arunachal Pradesh) Trek. Sakten - Wargala 1 day of Sakteng difficult walk - Zanga the Indian border 3hrs - Solokathang (AP) 5 hrs - Labrang 5 hrs - Derang 1 hr - Bhomdela 3 hrs walk/1hr drive. 15. Dangling tsho Lake. 5 hours hike from Khaling. Khaling
16. Khaling-Deothang main highway. This area is rich in bird species because of Khaling-Deothang the immediate altitudinal gradients.Endangered species like dark rumped swift is recorded from Deothang, ward trogon, beautiful nuthatch, rufousnecked hornbill, white gorgeted flycatcher (rare species), grey sised laughing thrush, yellow throated fulvetta, goldnaped finch, pale headed TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%174% ! woodpecker etc. 17. Tsatsi Khomugangrey Lake. 10hrs walk. Size: 1/2 acre.
18. Peling Tsho at Dechhenling. Fish in the lake. Guru Nye at Shokpa where the Dechheling river runs through an underground tunnel for 30 mins (possible to follow the river). Good campsites near the lake. 19. Hike to Tellung village, beautiful village 4 hrs walk from Dechhenling by the Drangme Chhu. Big open field, lots of birds. 20. Choekorling to Panbang/Manas. Opportunity to see elephants, wild buffalos, Choekhorling, Panbang, Manas tigers, jackals, deer and other animals. Plenty of birds. (potential for Jeep Safaris in the future) 21. Flora and Fauna tours in Phuntshothang, Pemathang, Bawaney, Martshala, Phuntshothang, Pemathang, Bawaney, Peoli, etc. Lots of wild life in the Gewogs, especially lephants, wild ox, Martshala peacocks and varieties of birds. Cotton trees.
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! Adventure&and&Recreation& !
1. Trashigang - Phongme - Trashigang (70km roundtrip). Start at Trashigang town 1070m - Riju 860m (4km)- ungtenzampa (5km), Rangjung bridge 1060 (7km) - Rangjung 1080 (1km) - Radi School 1870m (8km) – Phongme 1800m (10km).
2. Phongme – Joenkhar (5km) on new farm road. Khardung – Chepling (towards Merak). Rangjung to Thakthik (10 km) on new farm road to Sakteng.
3. Good day trip mountain biking from Trashigang town to Rangshikhar village (40 km round trip). Rangshikhar village has a beautiful temple with many statues of the Buddha explaining his life. 4. Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar (180km oneway) Start at Trashigang town 1070m - Pam(5) - Rongthong(12km) - Kanglung 1870m (5km) - Yongphula 2190m (9km) - Barshong (14km) - Khaling 2100m (9km) - Kharungla 2430m (15km) - Wamrong (12km) - Reserbu (5km) - Moshi (4km) - Mukuzor (10km) - Nangshing(5km) - Tsilinggor/Pemagatsel Diversion (4km) - Narphung 1698m (12km) - Tokorong 1920m (3km) - Morong 1600m (4km) - Orong (16km) - Deothang 850m (18km) - Charkilo/Immigration Check Post (14km) - Samdrup Jongkhar 160m (4km). Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar stretch is not preferred for bicycling but an excellent option to exit via East/South Bhutan to India.If your trip ends in Trashigang, then a day trip to Kanglung College(44km roundtrip) or Khaling (108km roundtrip) is a good option for bicycling. From Samdrup Jongkhar, it is 5km to Darranga(Indian Immigration Check Post), then 80km to Guwahati and then 20km to the airport(Lok Priya Gopinath Bordoli Airport) 5. Gamri Chhu has been identified as one of the best potential spots for white water in the east, difficulty class IV. packaging and marketing needs to be done. 6. Trashigang - Trashi Yangtse (43km oneway) Start at Trashigang town 1070m - Chazam 710m (10km) - Gom Kora 820 (13km) - Duksum 860m (2km) - Shali 1350m (6km) - Buyang (9km) - Trashi Yangtse 1750m (14km) 7. Monggar - Trashigang(93km oneway) Start at Monggar town 1600m - Kori la 2400m (17km) - Yadi 1480m (21km) - Sherichu 600m (20km) - Thugdari/Drametse Diversion 800m (12km) - Chazam 710m (13km) - Kheri/Kanglung Diversion 1030m (7km) - Trashigang 1070m (3km) 8. Dangme Chhu. Offers some big water white water with multi days options till Manas. 9. Biking from Wamrong – Thrimshing - Kangpara (80km) road trip.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%175% ! 10. Mahaseer Game fishing in Gongri Chhu (Dangme Chhu in Pema Gatshel) for multi-day floating trips. 11. Game fishing in Nyeriama chhu (Barnadi) in Gomdar and Phuntshothang 12. Pema Gatshel-Mikuri mountain biking on farm roads connecting many villages (circa 40 km one way). Better to start from Denchi after crossing the Gypsum Mines. 13. Pema Gatshel Valley Mountain Biking connecting many villages. Start from Denchi – Khar- Chongshing Borang- Yurung – Khangma and back to Pema Gatshel (90 km round way). 15. Feasibility of Elephant safaris to be done in Samdrup Jongkhar and Norduling and Decheling Gewogs in Pema Gatshel.
Other&Attractions& !
1. Bura Textile weaving in Radhi, Phonmey especially the Lungserma and Mentzimathra supplementary warp designs. All textiles produced in Radhi are made using the traditional back-strap loom and traditional dyes. As a result Radhi village produces some of the most authentic high quality raw silk textiles to be found anywhere in Bhutan.
2. The Brokpas from Merak and Sakteng weave their own clothes made out of sheep and yak wool but the women of Radhi , Phongme and Bidung weave their silk jackets. Dyeing is done on the 6th and 7th Bhutanese month. Clothes are prepared just before the Nungnye " fasting and praying" festival.
3. Sherubtse College. The first college in Bhutan. Good library, regular cultural programmes, sporting events and possibilities of students exchange tours. 4. Old iron mines at Busor, near Barshong Lhakhang. 30 mins walk below the road. Caves supposedly lead upto the peak of the ridge and requires more than one pair of torch batteries to reach the end. In earlier times the villages of Barshong extracted iron known as Per Khe for making swords and other metal implements for barter. Not yetexplored. 5. Handloom Development Project operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan at Khaling. Sample of designs and natural dyes used displayed. Students and instructors at the institute can demonstrate how textiles are dyed, processed and woven using handlooms. Visitors can also take lessons from the instructors in the institute. 6. Muenseling. School for the visually impaired at Khaling. 7. Tsatshi Buram, sugar making from sugar cane in Tsatshi village in Nanong Gewog. Visitors can see the process of how it is made. 8. Meditation and Yoga lessons in Choeki Jatshog Dratsang of Dzongsar Khentse Rinpoche, Deothang, Samdrup Jongkhar. 9. Market (Haath) every Sunday in Samdrup Jongkhar. Local produce from around the Gewog as well as from neighbouring India. Shoppers and sellers include locals and people from across the border. 10. The women in Zangdi in Lauri Gewog boil stinging nettles in ash to make thread. The thread is grey in colour and used for making kiras, jholas, sacks etc. 11. Villagers in Gomdar in Samdrup Jongkhar can demonstrate traditional fishing techniques using a bamboo and string traps in the Nyeri Amachhu. 12. Agro-tourism with farmhouse stays in Merak, Sakteng, Rongthong, Khaling and Kanglung. 13. Thelphu community School which is abandoned due to no enrollment could be developed into a Community-run lodge. 14. Village tours ideal in Pema Gatshel, and Kangpara-Bidingphu trek. 15. Dung and Jaling. Traditional Religious Pipe Instruments in Tsebar and Mandi villages in Khar and Chongshing Borang Gewog, Pema Gatshel 16. Cotton growing and cotton textiles in Thongsar village, Chongshing Borang Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%176% ! Appendix&2&–&TPS&Circuit&Roads&Inventory& !
& Roads&in&Trashigang& Km& 1 Kheri-Haylong Highway 13.00 2 Chazam-Jamkhardang road 5.00 3 Trashigang-Riju road 4.00 4 Riju-Rangjung road 12.00 5 Rangjung-Radhi road 8.00 6 Radhi-Phongmey road 9.00 7 Chazam-Yangneer-Gongthong road 21.50 8 Riju-Barstam road 20.00 9 Trashiyangphu-Phegpari (Thrimsing) 14.50 10 Bartsham-Bidung Road 9.01 11 Mukazor-Tshogonpa Road 7.43 12 Pam-Rangshikhar feeder road 11.60 13 Trashigang-Tshelingkhor Highway 108.50 14 App. road to Zukpola/Tashitse H. S. School 1.80 15 Kanglung College Campus road 2.80 16 App. road to Khaling H. S. School 0.30 17 Ap. road to Khaling L.S. S./NID 0.30 18 App. Road to Khaling Power House 1.30 19 App. Road to Chenary Power House 1.50 20 App. road to Rangjung Power House 0.50 21 Road to 10MVA Power Substation, Kanglung 0.50 22 App. road to Trashigang M.S. School 0.10 23 App. Road to Radi L.S. School 0.20 24 Rangshi Lhakhang-Rangshikhar Goenpa 4.75 25 Barshong (Highway) - Barshong Shedra 0.60 26 Forest Road to Khaling/Kharongla 8.50 27 App. Road to Yonphula RBA compound 2.30 28 App. Road to Wamrong Dungkhag 0.50 29 App. Road to Rangjung BHU 0.20 30 App. Road to Kanglung BHU 0.20 31 Trashigang town road 4.00 32 Road to RNR PFO campus, Khangma 0.80 33 App.road to RNR PFO's residence, Metsham 0.60 34 App. Road to BNPP Colony 0.90 35 App. Road to RNRC Colony 0.10 36 Shongphu-Chaling Farm Road 12.56 37 Galing-Changme Farm Road 9.10 38 Bhikar-Khapti Farm Road 9.50 39 Bhikar-Khapti Goenpa (Pvt) 0.50 40 S/jongkhar highway, Namla (Pvt) 0.05 41 Highway to Upper Phomshing (Pvt) 0.50 42 Highway to workshop, Wamrong (Pvt) 0.06 43 Highway to Zangkholom, Kanglung (Pvt) 0.25 44 Highway to Bamridrang (Pvt) 0.02 45 Bartsam Feeder Road to Mugtangkhar (Pvt) 0.44 46 Phongmey road, Dekiling (Pvt) 0.02 47 Trashigang town - Melphey 1.90 48 Bhikar - Bhikar goenpa Farm Road 2.50
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%177% ! 49 Bhikar-Yenangbrangsa Farm Road 2.50 50 Zukpola-Lumang Farm Road 20.00 51 Khentongmani - Udzorong Farm Road 27.00 52 Galing goenpa to Rintshel lhakhang farm road 2.50 53 Changmey - Yobinang Farm Road 7.50 54 Changmey - Buna Farm Road 2.95 55 Panglemzor-Dakpadung 2.13 56 Kheri-Pam Farm Road. 3.10 57 Pam Community School. 0.93 58 Domkhar - Yenang PTT 2.50 59 Kanglung - Thragom PTT 4.50 60 Tshogonpa - Tshechengonpa PTT 4.00 61 Changmey to Gongsaphangma PTT 4.00 62 Rongthung to Shingchengonpa PTT 8.00 63 Dantak Campus Road 0.40 64 App. road to Wamrong Zangdopelri 1.30 65 Rangjung Woeselchholing Monastery road 0.20 66 App. road to Helipad, Yonphula 1.20 67 App. Road to Kanglung BBS Office 0.30 68 App. Road to Chador Lhakhang, Bartsam 2.00 69 Road to Sakten Park Office, Phongmey 0.74 70 App. Road to Reserbo Hospital 0.40 71 App. to Dungtse School, Phongmey 0.80 72 App. to Kuensel Office, Kanglung 0.13 73 Rangjung - Rangjung L.S. School 0.80 74 Kanglung-Zangkhom M.S.S. Road 1.40 75 App. Road to Bartsham MSS 0.46 76 App. Road to Dzongthung ORC 0.47 77 App. Road to Dzongthung telecom tower 0.23 78 App. Road to Samkhar Gup Office 0.32 79 App. Road to Khapti 0.20 80 Lungtenzampa-RNR Bikhar 8.30 81 App. Road to Bidung Dratshang (Garab Rinpoche) 0.28 82 App. Road to Changmey BHU-II 0.18 83 App. Road to Changmey Gup office 0.67 84 App. Road to Changmey Kibucholing Lhakhang 0.16 85 App. Road to Chaling Niteycholing Gonpa 0.10 86 App. Road to Godi Crematorium 0.33 87 App. Road to Gongthung Dubdra 0.41 88 App. Road to Hotel Druk Deothjung at Phomshing 1.50 89 Yangneer feeder road to Gongthung 2.80 90 Highway to new RVL Kanglung 0.48 91 Khangma-Benshingmo 8.05 92 Gongthung-Durung 8.50 93 Khaling-Tsangpo 7.00 94 Yangneer-Daliphangma 8.40 95 Sanglung (Yangyeer) -Demkhar Farm Road 3.00 96 Gongthung- Shokang/Gonpa 2.00 97 Radhi-Tsangkhar 2.50 98 Lhakhang-Momnangkhar 4.00 99 Khudumpang-Pakaling 7.00 100 Pangthang-Bongman 8.50 101 Kharampagpa-Drungonpa Lhakhang 1.10 102 Tongling CPS-Upper Tongling 1.50 103 Rabkharmani-Mentsang Farm Road 5.60 104 Zongthung Farm Road 2.00 TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%178% ! 105 Bidung-Rangjung Farm Road 15.24 106 Jangsheri-Tshektum 3.00 107 Saling-Kheri 3.00 108 Yenangtshekhar-Lemphang 6.50 109 Mangthung-Ritswangdung Farm Road 6.50 110 Mertsham-Serthi Farm Road 6.00 111 Kanglung BHU-Ritsangdung 5.40 112 Barshong-Jerilemi Farm Road 12.00 113 Bephu-Drungtshopeg Farm Road 7.50 114 Khaling-Tsangpo 7.30 115 Berkha Goenpa-Brekha Farm Road 9.00 116 App. Road to Landfill at Rangjung 0.70 117 Khangma-Yonphupam 8.00 118 Shepangthang-Bedungphu 1.00 119 Khaling-Khaling Gonpa 1.10 120 Gomchu-Drewong 2.00 121 Jeri-Lemi 8.00 122 Kurchillo-Drupkhang 7.00 123 Phugayai-Wakhar 4.70 124 Reserboo-Kherigaphu 7.50 125 Wamrong-Lumang 20.00 126 Wamrong-Tsangpo 5.50 127 Moshi-Bainangwong 2.60 128 Lumang-Dhungmanma 6.68 129 Khardung - Merak 11.00 130 Rangjung - Tharkthri 12.30 131 Lem - Karma Gonpa 3.00 132 Lem - Gazari 5.00 133 Melphey - Samkhar 10.23 134 Khelampoktor - Berdungma 12.60 135 Barkazor - Beepam 6.44 136 Beepam - Gengkhar 2.00 137 Kor - Pangthang 7.60 138 Kharungla-Growangchu Road 16.35 139 Growangchu - Kangpara 10.00 140 Tokari - Rassu Gonpa Road 2.00 !
& Roads&in&Samdrup&Jongkhar& Km& 1 Dewathang-Phuentshothang (Bhangtar) raod 48.00 2 App.road to RBA colony, Deothang 6.00 3 Phuentshothang-Samdrupcholing (Raitar) 2.00 4 Samdrupcholing (Raitar)-Pemathang (Dalim) 9.00 5 Narphung-S/jongkhar Highway 60.80 6 Tshelingkhor-Narphung highway 13.00 7 Kawaipani Resettlement Area road 2.00 8 Kawaipani-Bakuli farm road 2.00 9 Bakuli-Diklai-Peoli road 12.80 10 Bhangtar-Okhaldhunga road 5.00 11 Jomotshangkha-Goenkhar Farm road 9.00 12 Road to Garbawoong MSS, Dewathang 3.00 13 App. road to Orong HSS, Orong 0.50 14 Road to Ferro-silicon factory, S/jongkhar 7.00
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%179% ! 15 Road to Rishor (Eastern Bhutan Coal Mines), Dewathang 6.00 16 App. road to Shedra, Dewathang 0.70 17 Jomotshangkha -Golami-Kharung forest road 10.00 18 Jomotshangkha-Upper Langchenphu forest road 1.50 19 10 MVA Power Substation, Ngalang (Dewathang) 1.20 20 Shekpashing-Orong Farm Road 12.00 21 Roads in S/Jongkhar Municipal Area 7.61 22 Tsangchhuthama-Martshalla Farm Road 13.00 23 Phedi-Nainital Farm Road,Pemathang 4.45 24 Tsangchhuthama-Khameythang Farm Road 6.40 25 App. Road to Samdrup Choeling Nagtshang 0.80 26 Langchenphu-Bajrangey Farm Road 6.00 27 Narphung- Tsangchilu Farm Road 11.53 28 Dunkarling- Kharbandi 1.25 29 Orong-Wooling Farm Road. 12.83 30 Upper-Lower Orong Farm Road. 9.83 31 Rihkey-Woongchelo Farm Road. 5.19 32 Martshala-Shemshem Farm Road.(Phase I) 4.50 33 Deothang-Simringmo Farm Road. 3.00 34 Jomotshangkha-Lauri Farm Road 14.50 !
Roads in Pema Gatshel Km 1 Tshelingore-Pemagatshel road 23.00 2 Pemagatshel-Khodakpa road 13.00 3 App. Road to Pemagatshel Hospital 1.80 4 Road to Nangkor H.S.School 3.50 5 Approach road to Yongla Goenpa 2.76 6 Khodakpa - Khar Road 8.00 7 Road to 10MVA Power Substation, Nangkor 1.10 8 Khodakpa-Denchi road 1.00 9 Pemagatsel Jr. High School 0.10 10 Monglin-Gonpasingma road 2.00 11 Monglin-Jashoor Goenpa road 1.00 12 Road to Guest House & Dzongdag's Residence, P/gatshel 1.50 13 Yalangjug-Denchi road 2.32 14 Gompasingma-Nangmalam farm road 8.24 15 Shali-Gamong Farm road 8.41 16 Road to Manchuwoong via Denchi 7.31 17 Kheri Goenpa - Tsalori Forest Road 17.60 18 Kheri Goenpa - Gonpawoong Farm Road 8.95 19 Kangkaong to IFPP Farm Road 1.00 20 Approach road to Gup's Office, Shumar 0.17 21 Ngagshing-Woongchiloo Farm Road. 10.30 22 Gayzor-Resimanang Farm Road. 6.00 23 Nganglam-Rinchenzor/Norbugang Farm Road.(1st Phase) 21.39 24 Khothakpa-Khar-Tsebar Feeder Road. 10.00 25 Khothakpa-Khar-Tsebar Feeder Road. 8.00 26 Khenadang - Yelchen Farm Road (Nanong Gewog) 10.11 27 Denchi - Khangma-Yurungzampa-Chimung Farm Road 21.98 28 Nanglam - Dechenling Farm Road 15.20 29 Nanglam - Dechenling-Chokhorling Farm Road 20.00 30 Denchi-Chongshing/Thongsa-Mandi 17.02 TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%180% ! 31 Gyelposhing-Nganglam highway 36.00 32 Khothakpa-Khar-Tsebar -Yurung Feeder Road. 9.31 33 Nangshing-Tshelingor Farm Road. 7.78 34 Yurungzampa-Chimung Farm Road. 18.00 35 Denchi-Yurung Dzongkhag Road 5.00 !
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Appendix&3&–&Framework&for&Ecotourism&Guidelines&(Source:&Ecotourism& Development&Strategy,&NRED)& !
To initiate and expand ecotourism development in the protected areas network in Bhutan, and to ensure that long-term management needs are addressed that deliver economic viability, enhancement of conservation, and support for the well-being of the local communities, the following framework outlines the process of ecotourism development and management. This framework addresses the steps to follow in proposing a new or expanded ecotourism product or activity: ASSESSMENT of the project’s potential; PLANNING of the project; IMPLEMENTATION of the ecotourism project; and ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT that monitors and evaluates the progress of the project to determine how best to sustain it in the long-term, making adaptive changes as needed to strengthen it.
The framework for Tourism is to be coordinated in partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests and the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Table 3: Framework for Ecotourism Development and Management
STEPS TASKS Determine the impacts and feasibility of the 1) ASSESSMENT potential project Vision and Goals; Objectives; Education and 2) PLANNING capacity building Decision making and implementation, in close 3) IMPLEMENTATION consultation with stakeholders 4) ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Monitoring, reporting, adaptive management
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%181% !
Supporting Elements for all four steps: Multi-Stakeholder Participation—Baseline Information—Government policies and regulations
With any ecotourism development project, the cycle of ASSESSMENT, PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, and ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT is on-going, with information gathered throughout the process feeding into decisions made about new ecotourism opportunities, as well as how to adapt present ecotourism projects to enhance their financial viability, their contribution to the conservation of the protected area(s), and their positive impacts on the well-being of local communities.
Each step in the process requires three key SUPPORTING ELEMENTS: the engagement of multi-stakeholder groups, so that the different players involved in the provision of ecotourism can contribute and participate in the decision-making process. In addition, baseline information is needed to reliably assess the potential for ecotourism development and its contributions to conservation and community benefit. While baseline information may initially be lacking or its quality unreliable, establishing mechanisms for the monitoring of any project will, over time, improve the quality of the information available for evaluating the ecotourism project(s) and making informed decisions to stengthen the project.
In addition, the government of Bhutan has adopted, and continues to identify, policies and regulations that govern how tourism is developed and carried out in the protected areas of Bhutan, and careful attention must be paid to following these regulations in the development of ecotourism.
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STEP&1:& ASSESSMENT& ! Impact!assessments! Determining!feasibility! !
STEP&4:& SUPPORTING& ELEMENTS& ADAPTIVE& STEP&2:& ! PLANNING& MANAGEMENT& Multi)Stakeholder! ! ! Participation! ! Vision!and!Goals! Monitoring! Baseline!Information! Objectives! Reporting! ! Education!and!Capacity! Evaluation!and!adaptations ! Government! Building! Policies!and!Regulations! ! !
STEP&3: & IMPLEMENTATION &
! Decision!Making ! Implementation !
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The Framework for Ecotourism Development in the Protected Areas Network (Adapted for Bhutan from Environment Business and Development Group)
STEP%1:%ASSESSMENT% A.Consider+the+poten/al+conserva/on+gain % CONSIDER%WHETHER% B.Check+the+precondi/ons+for+ecotourism ECOTOURISM%IS%AN% C.Adopt+an+integrated+approach APPROPRIATE%OPTION%
! Will%there%be%improved%biodiversity%conservation%and%protection%of%natural%habitat% A.% from%this%project?% ! What%actions,%and%by%whom,%currently%support%conservation%of%the%environment%in%the%%%% protected%area?% ! Establish%a%biodiversity%baseline,%and%determine%how%to%measure%conservation%success% in%subsequent%years.%
B.% ! Conduct%an%ecotourism%feasibility%assessment:%%accessibility%and%infrastructure,% location,%uniqueness%of%product,%visitor%comfort,%safety,%market%demand.% ! Will%national%and%local%tourism%policies%and%frameworks%support%ecotourism%here?% ! What%are%the%limits%of%acceptable%change%for%the%environment%and%the%communities% affected%by%this%ecotourism%project?%
! What%other%sustainable%development%initiatives%or%potential%partners%are%in%this%area% C.% to%help%support%this%ecotourism%project?% ! What%linkages%can%be%made%between%ecotourism%and%other%sectors%that%will%provide% economic%opportunities%to%more%people%–%for%example,%sourcing%local%products%for% ecotourism%businesses?% ! How%will%this%ecotourism%project%support%protected%areas%at%the%local,%regional,%or% national%level?%
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STEP'2:'PLANNING' D. Find'the'best'way'to'involve'communities' ' E. Work'together'on'an'agreed'vision'' ENGAGE'WITH'LOCAL' F. Ensure'environmental'and'cultural'integrity' COMMUNITIES'AND' OTHER'STAKEHOLDERS'
D.' ! Who'can'we'work'with'to'enhance'community'involvement'in'this'ecotourism'project:'is' there'an'existing'community'committee'who'could'assist,'or'do'we'need'to'create'a'new' committee?' ! How'will'we'create'multiBstakeholder'engagement,'with'local'communities,'the'private' sector,'and'PA'management'staff?''Who'needs'to'be'part'of'project'decisions?' ! What'training'and'capacity'building'is'needed'to'strengthen'the'community'to'successfully'be' involved'in'this'ecotourism'project?' E.' ! What'are'the'Strengths,'Weaknesses,'Opportunities,'and'Threats'to'this'project?' ! Create'a'vision'and'strategy'for'this'project'which'includes'environmental,'social,'and' economic'goals'and'objectives.' ! Create'an'ecotourism'project'Action'Plan'that'deKines,'“Who'will'do'How'Much'of'What'by' When,'and'Where'will'they'do'it?”'–'with'clear,'measurable'initiatives'that'will'be'monitored' and'results'assessed'(use'SMART').'
! How'will'our'natural'and'cultural'heritage'be'supported,'and'not'damaged,'by'this'project?' F.' ! How'will'we'monitor'the'agreed'limits'of'acceptable'change'for'this'project?' ! Identify'how'many'visitors,'of'what'kinds,'how'long'will'they'stay,'where'will'they'be'able'to' go'and'what'will'they'be'able'to'do'as'part'of'project'monitoring.'
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%185% ! STEP(3:((IMPLEMENTATION( ( DEVELOP(VIABLE(ECOTOURISM( G.((Ensure(market(realism( PROJECTS(AND(PRODUCTS( H.((Ensure(effective(promotion( (( I.(((Put(forward(quality(products( ((
! Conduct(an(ecotourism(market(assessment(for(this(project:((who(are(the(potential(and( G.( existing(visitors(to(Bhutan(and(how(can(we(attract(them(to(this(project?((( ! How(will(we(integrate(our(project(with(existing(tourism(circuits(and(activities(to(increase( success?( ! Does(this(project(compete(with(or(complement(other(ecotourism(projects(in(the(area?( (( H.( ! What(are(existing(methods(of(promotion(and(marketing(of(this(area?( ! What(new(kinds(of(promotion(will(be(needed/effective(to(help(this(project(succeed?( ! Create(a(24Mmonth(marketing(plan,(with(realistic(targets(for(promotion(and(visitation,( and(methods(to(track(progress(–(identify(marketing(opportunities,(including(local( marketing,(online,(media,(linkages(to(other(Bhutaneses(tourism(products,(national( marketing( (( I.( ! Develop(products(that(are(environmentally(low(impact,(preserve(local(character(and( uniqueness,(and(demonstrate(sustainable(design.( ! Strive(for(high(visitor(satisfaction,(which(will(in(turn(stimulate(support(for(the(project(and( protected(area.(Make(sure(that(expectations(match(reality.( ! Use(appropriate,(engaging,(and(contemporary(methods(to(educate(visitors(and(enhance( the(ecotourism(product((i.e.(high(quality(guides,(cultural(and(natural(heritage( interpretation(materials,(etc.(
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STEP(4:((ADAPTIVE(MANAGEMENT( J. Manage(impacts(and(monitor(performance( ( K. Provide(technical(support( STRENGTHEN(BENEFITS(TO(THE( L. Gain(support(of(visitors(and(tour(operators( COMMUNITY(AND(TO(THE(PROTECTED(AREA( M. Ensure(continuity( ((
! Create(a(method(to(evaluate(the(on>going(impacts(of(the(ecotourism(project(on(the( J.( communities(and(the(protected(area.( ! How(will(the(project(be(managed(and(maintained(over(time(–(both(in(terms(of(staff,(and(in( terms(of(Einancial(support,(if(needed?( ! How(will(communities(directly(beneEit(from(this(project(–(employment,(small(business( opportunities,(using(local(products(and(services,(etc.?( (( K.( ! How(will(we(provide(on>going(support(to(the(communities(in(and(around(the(PA(to(build( capacity(for(this(ecotourism(project?((( ! What(kinds(of(training(can(we(provide,(and(how(will(we(provide(it?( ! What(existing(networks(of(support(can(we(use(to(assist,(and(what(do(we(need(to(create?( (( ! How(will(we(encourage(visitors(and(tour(operators(to(act(in(ways(that(protect(the( L.( environment,(respect(culture,(and(beneEit(local(communities?( ! If(needed,(develop(visitor(and(tour(operator(guidelines(for(this(project.( ! How(can(we(encourage(support((Einancial,(in>kind,(etc.)(from(visitors(and(tour(operators(for( the(conservation(of(natural(and(cultural(heritage(as(part(of(this(project?( (( M.( ! How(will(we(ensure(long>term(viability(and(success(of(the(project?( ! How(will(we(transition(from(initial(external(support(to(more(self>reliance(and(self> sufEiciency(in(funding?((( ! How(will(we(get(feedback(from(community(members,(visitors,(park(ofEicials,(and(other( stakeholders(to(make(adjustments,(and(ensure(long>term(support(for(this(project?( (( ! ! !
Supporting&Elements& ! Multi-stakeholder Participation Ecotourism planning, development and management inside protected areas in Bhutan needs the involvement of multiple stakeholders and partners. The success of ecotourism will largely depend on the concerted effort of all the relevant partners, and it is important to identify and adequately engage these partners from the initial ASSESSMENT step, and right through the PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, and ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT phases.
Because improving the economic and social well-being of local people is a key tenet of ecotourism, the involvement of local communities is crucial for the success of any ecotourism project. Local people need to be involved in the development of new and
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%187% ! existing ecotourism initiatives in an equitable way, along with support to ensure effective participation, in terms of education, capacity-building, and even financial assistance for participation in the ecotourism development process.
In addition, key partners for ecotourism development in the protected areas in Bhutan from the public sector include: the Tourism Council of Bhutan; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) and Department of Forest and Park Services represented through the relevant agencies such as the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division, the Department of Livestock and the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Culture; the Dzongkhag (District) administration; and the local administration.
Partners from the private sector include local tour operators; Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), the Guide Association of Bhutan (GAB), and private investors. Partner NGOs and Donors may include the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN); World Wildlife Fund (WWF); Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC); United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Austrian Coordination Office (ACO) and other agencies involved in tourism development in Bhutan.
Baseline Information Baseline information is very important to support ecotourism development and other Integrated Conservation and Development Programme initiatives inside the protected areas network of Bhutan. Collection of data and statistics should be standardized across agencies, and data sharing promoted. Gathering baseline information can often be carried out in collaboration with universities and NGO project partners, and utilizing this potential resource can save time and resources.
Baseline information needs to be collected not only in relation to the available flora, fauna and other biodiversity indicators in order to successfully measure the conservation outcomes of ecotourism, but also in relation to prevailing social, economic and socio-cultural conditions. This baseline information can serve as a foundation for monitoring tourism and tourism-related impacts, as well as a basis for tourism and conservation management plans. The Government of Bhutan tracks indicators through its monitoring of GNH, and this information can also be used as part of the baseline information that is considered in the development of an ecotourism project, and in monitoring impacts over time.
Environmental (biological and physical), economic and socio-cultural limits of acceptable change should also be identified for the protected area, with particular attention to the different zones within that protected area, as defined by the Government
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%188% ! of Bhutan. Limits of acceptable change relate to how much environmental change is permissible or acceptable to protected area and natural resource managers, to local communities, and to visitors, and is widely used as a way of determining the impacts of potential development. Any ecotourism development should also take into account the socio-cultural limits of acceptable change for local people in and around the protected area. The number of visitors and activities must be managed in accordance with the protected area regulations, to ensure that the available natural and cultural resources are not overused, and that negative tourism impacts are within acceptable limits of change. Establishing this information, if it does not yet exist, at the beginning of the ecotourism development process, provides a way for monitoring the impacts of the project, leading to the ability to implement ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT over time.
Government Policies and Regulations It is important for any ecotourism development project in protected areas to be aware of and follow established government tourism policies and regulations that also guide ecotourism activities, operators, stakeholders and protected area management staff. Particular attention should be paid to zoning rules for ecotourism activities and development in areas of high ecological and cultural significance. Ecotourism facilities and activities should be confined to those zones where tourism activities are allowed, in accordance with the government’s regulations. ! ! !
Guidelines&for&Specific&Stakeholder&Groups&(Ecotourism&Strategy)&
GUIDELINES_TOUR OPERATORS
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%189% ! " Tour operators should coordinate and foster partnership with park staff and community tourism stakeholders to ensure that all parties have a meaningful engagement in tourism operations;
" Tour operators should educate their tour groups about respecting local customs and practices;
" Tour operators should ensure that their activities are low impact on the environment and deliver benefits to local communities living inside the protected area;
" Tour operators shouldsource their supplies and services locally as much as possible, in order to support local communities and the local economy;
" Tour operatorsshould not establish any permanent camps, structures, storage areas, or other facilities or infrastructure unless they have the consent of protected areas management;
" Tour operators and their activitiesshould be monitored and assessed regularly, with improvements made as needed in both quality of service and in adhering to the principles of ecotourism in the Bhutan context, as noted in the Guidelines for Ecotourism in the Protected Areas Network ;
" Tour operators should provide feedback to protected areas managers for further improvement of the facilities and services inside the protected area and if need be also willing to make financial contributions for the upkeep of these facilities/services;
" Tour operators should ensure that they use the mandatory services of the local communities and support initiatives to spread community benefits;
" Tour operators conducting tours in the protected areas should ensure that they have obtained all of the necessary permits, and comply with all existing rules and regulations.
GUIDELINES_TOUR GUIDES
" Tour guides should follow the code of conduct and ethics formulated by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Guide Association of Bhutan; " Tour guides should inform tourists about the rules and regulations within the protected area, and should see to it that these are being followed by acting as a role model; " Tour guides should provide accurate and educational information to tourists in a respectful and knowledgeable manner, representing high quality guiding standards; " Tour guides should conduct tours and trekking in the protected areas with the highest standards of ethics to ensure minimum negative impacts on the environment and the communities living inside; " Tour guides should always ensure the safety of the visitors inside the protected area; " Tour guides should not be involved in promoting or selling illegal items to visitors, such as illicitly-obtained antiquities or endangered species products, or recommend the purchase of such items; " Tour guides should not encourage, promote or be involved in any form of activity that promotes sex tourism in the area; " Tour guides must ensure that all payments and fees levied for the services are made as required; " Tour guides should keep waste production to the minimum extent possible and that all waste generated are carried out and disposed off responsibly at designated disposal sites;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%190% ! " Tour guides must ensure that camping is conducted only at designated camping sites. However in the event of any emergency alternative sites may be used for which park management must accordingly be informed; " Tour guides should work in harmony with all local guides/cooks/service providers as deemed mandatory to use; " Tour guides conducting tours in the protected areas will ensure that they have obtained all of the necessary permits, and comply with all rules and regulations.
GUIDELINES_LOCAL COMMUNITIES
" Local communities should be consulted before undertaking any tourism activity within the boundary of the villages in which they live, and should be given the opportunity to accept or refuse tourism development in their area;
" Any ecotourism plan should have the consent of the majority of the host population;
" Community based ecotourism should always be away for improving livelihoods for local communities, by ensuring fair wages and benefits, and upholding fundamental human rights;
" Local communities should be empowered with opportunities to become owners and managers of tourism enterprises, and not restricted solely to supplemental employment positions.
" Skills training and capacity building should be provided in collaboration with responsible development organizations to local communities who wish to engage in the tourism industry and with Bhutan’s protected areas network;
" Local communities, in consultation with other stakeholders, should be engaged in the monitoring of tourism impacts based on agreed indicators;
" Support mechanisms should be established to assist communities inthe equitable sharing of costs and benefits within the community, and to establish quality tourism standards that are set and maintained;
" Local host communities should inform relevant authorities before engaging in any tourism activity to ensure adherence to conservation and tourism policies and objectives;
" Local host communities should participate in ecotourism management committees to represent the interests of the community;
" Local communities should refrain from any illegal or anti-social/cultural activities with visitors like prostitution, drugs, gambling and begging;
" Local communities should ensure that all services provided must be of acceptable standard and reliable;
" Local communities should manage/cooperate with waste management initiatives;
" Local host communities should adhere to all laws and regulations related to the protected area, as well as to all regulations related to tourism development.
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GUIDELINES_PA MANAGERS
" PA managers should coordinate and build partnerships with relevant stakeholders (national, district, local, and private sector) when planning for tourism development inside the PA;
" PA managers should conduct resource inventories and assessments, and collect baseline information, as a way to measure and monitor tourism impacts on the natural environment;
" PA managers should design and develop an ecotourism plan to generate benefits for nature conservation and cultural preservation;
" PA managers should assist to develop the capacity of PA staff and local communities in developing and monitoring ecotourism activities.
" PA managers should regularly liaise with tour operators to ensure compliance, to assess the impacts of tour operations on the natural environment and local communities, and to assess the quality of the tourism experience as perceived by the visitors;
" PA managers should ensure that tour operators and tour guides are aware of the codes of conduct for tour operators, tour guides and tourists/visitors inside the protected area, and that these are followed;
" PA managers should work with the local community to create opportunities to maximize local economic benefits from proposed ecotourism development, as a conservation strategy;
" PA managers should keep Tour Operators and other stakeholders informed at a reasonable advance period of time of any changes or inception of new regulations applicable;
" PA managers should provide updated and accurate information on tourism status to minimize inconveniences to tour operations;
" PA managers should manage the level of tourism according to carrying capacity levels/limits of acceptable change, in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions of the PA.
GUIDELINES_CAMPSITE MANAGERS
" Campers shall use only designated campsites, and the landscape and aesthetic value of the area should beprotected in the operations and use of the campsite by visitors by adopting “Leave No Trace” practices;
" Sites for camping should be designated and classified according to their carrying capacity, and campsites should be limited and maintained so as to minimize negative impacts on the environment;
" Separate areas should be designated for horses and ponies to avoid overgrazing and conflict with local communities, and the campsite should be routinely cleaned and freed of cattle dung and trash;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%192% ! " Tour guide(s) shall ensure that the campsite is left in a clean condition for use by other tour groups;
" Campsite managers should safeguard campsite facilities from vandalism, and conduct routine maintenance to keep campsites in quality condition for visitors;
" Campsites should meet all the standards of operation and terms of conditions that have been set by protected areas management.
GUIDELINES_CONCESSIONAIRES
" When outsourcing the operation of businesses inside protected areas, local communities should be given first priority for any concession opportunities;
" Community members should be empowered with opportunities to become owners and managers of tourism enterprises, and not restricted solely to supplemental employment positions;
" Concessionaries should report any violation of protected area regulations by individuals or groups;
" To the greatest degree possible, tourism goods sold by concessionaires to tourists should be locally produced and/or made from local materials to preserve authenticity and support the local economy;
" All concessionaries operating any business or providing services in the protected area shoulddo so in direct communication with and support of the protected area managers and local community members;
" The concessionaries should provide good quality standards of operation and adhere to all government and protected area rules and regulations.
GUIDELINES_INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPERS
" The assessment of the location or areas for infrastructure development for tourism will be identified and assessed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests in coordination with the Tourism Council of Bhutan; " “The Design Guidelines for the Development of Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure for Tourism in the Parks and Protected Areas of Bhutan’ developed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan is to be followed to ensure that all infrastructure is sustainable, environmentally friendly and culturally appropriate; " Eco-friendly equipment, local materials and local craftsmanship should be used for construction as far as possible;
TCB,%Circuit%Tourism%Plan%for%the%TPS%Circuit% % Page%193% ! " Construction should be based on appropriate designs and colors to complement existing development and enhance local authenticity; " Unused construction materials and waste materials arising from the construction must be disposed of properly; contractors should adhere to a ‘no waste policy’; " All infrastructure development for tourism inside the PA’s shall be assessed, approved and monitored by the Tourism Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests with consultation with the respective community.
GUIDELINES_VISITORS
" Visitors should keep to designated tourism zones, and respect the cultural and religious values of the communities that live inside the protected areas, e.g. dress appropriately, refrain from photographing or filming inside a temple or shrine room; not disturb historical or archeological sites, etc;
" Visitors should be sensitive to the natural environment that they are in: they should not disturb wildlife, collect flowers or plants, destroy natural habitat, disturb wildlife or take away rocks or geological features;
" Visitors should not give money and/or gifts to local children and people to avoid creating a culture of dependence; instead, they should donate or give gifts through established non- governmental organizations or charities that work in the area;
" Visitors should not engage or coerce local people into any activity that is detrimental to the culture and/or the natural environment;
" Visitors must not litter, avoid generating waste, and adhere to the strict compliance of waste management rules, and all other rules and regulations.
GUIDELINES_GOVERNMENT AGENCIES " Government agencies should create an enabling environment for ecotourism development inside the protected areas, in terms of policy, capacity development, regulations, infrastructure development, etc;
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" Collaboration between relevant government agencies and also with other tourism stakeholders, is especially important and fundamental to successful ecotourism development;
" Local ecotourism plans/proposals should be incorporated into national tourism strategies and plans and, where possible, RGoB budgetsshould also contribute to funding gaps related to ecotourism development projects;
" All government-led conservation or development programs in protected areasshould adhere to and be consistent with the protected area’s management plan, and the regulations for tourism development;
" Government tourism agencies(and any other organization or individuals) should have the support of local protected area management prior to engaging in any activity inside the protected area;
" The government should establish, follow, and promote protected area entrance and usage fees to support better tourism monitoring and protected area management needs.
GUIDELINES_NGO’S AND DONOR AGENCIES
" NGO’s should liaise between local communities and the private sector and facilitate dialogue to ensure adequate collaboration and mutual benefits;
" NGO’s should support community-based tourism initiatives,through product development and marketing; training and capacity building; consultations with local people; influencing of consumers, etc.
" NGO’s should always seek prior permission from the local community and relevant authorities, in particular the Tourism Council of Bhutan, before engaging in any tourism activity in protected areas;
" NGO’s and donors should participate in multi-stakeholder collaboration to guide and monitor ecotourism planning and development in protected areas;
" All NGO or donor-led conservation or development programs should be consistent with protected area management plans and rules and regulations for tourism development.
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